National Revolutionary Council emerges formally

A new Muslim nationalist political party, the National Revolutionary Council (NRC), has officially launched, pledging to uproot fascism and introduce a new charter for the country. 

The party’s debut, marked by a symbolic gathering at Dhaka University’s central mosque on Monday (December 16), signals the emergence of a fresh political force rooted in student-led uprisings and public discontent.

A movement born from uprising

The NRC is positioning itself as a political extension of the July-August mass uprising of 2024, which shook the nation and highlighted widespread demands for systemic change. 

The council organisers claim to represent students and the public who played key roles in those protests. 

Despite its roots in the uprising, the NRC lacked formal structure until now, functioning as a loose collective advocating for dramatic reforms.

Vision for change

The NRC’s platform centers on bold, controversial demands. It calls for the eradication of what it labels "fascist forces" and proposes restructuring the nation's governance model, including integrating the military into power dynamics. While critics may view this as radical, supporters see it as necessary to counter entrenched political and foreign influence.

Debut and procession

The debut event was led by Ainun Nahar, mother of martyr Naima Akhtar, who was killed during the July Massacre, and Mohammad Shafiur Rahman, the party's organisational head. 

Following prayers at the mosque, the NRC leaders and activists brought out a a procession, marching with fervent slogans such as: “Naraye Takbir—Allahu Akbar”, “Power or people—people, people”, “Compromise or struggle—struggle, struggle”, “Dhaka or Delhi—Dhaka, Dhaka”, “Bharat's brokers—beware of warnings”

The march culminated in a short rally at the Central Shaheed Minar, a site symbolising national resistance and remembrance.

Leadership and support

Key figures in the NRC include Zakir Majumdar, Rotarian Rabeya Akhtar, Syed Qutub, Abdus Salam, Engineer Imamul Haque, Dr Zahirul Islam, M Rashidul Islam, Imam Sadique Adam, Zainal Abedin, Ahmed Mofasser, and Kausar Ahmed among others. The presence of prominent individuals from diverse professional backgrounds underscores the council’s effort to appeal to a broad base of supporters.

The road ahead

After the debut event NRC leaders warned of a potential mass uprising in 2025 if its demand to dismantle fascist structures is not met. This rhetoric, combined with its emphasis on nationalism and grassroots mobilisation, signals its ambition to reshape the political landscape.

With its roots in student-led protests and a platform calling for radical reforms, the NRC is a political entity to watch. Whether it gains traction or fades into obscurity will depend on its ability to sustain momentum, navigate internal and external challenges, and articulate a vision that resonates with the broader public.