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A 55-member Jatiya Nagorik Committee was launched with the goal of dismantling fascist systems and achieving success in ongoing political reforms. The committee was officially announced yesterday (Sunday, September 8) afternoon at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka. Mohammad Nasiruddin Patwary has been named as the committee’s convener, with Akhtar Hossain serving as the member secretary.

Nasiruddin Patwary previously worked as the political affairs member of the Liaison Committee and was involved in the Student Federation’s politics. He also briefly participated in the politics of the Amar Bangladesh Party.

Akhtar Hossain, the member secretary, was the social service secretary of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU). He resigned from his role as vice president of the central committee of the Student Rights Council, which led the quota reform movement. Later, he became the convener of the ‘Gonotantrik Chhatra Shakti’. Samanta Sharmin, the committee’s spokesperson, has led numerous student rights movements.

Among the committee members, Ariful Islam Adib is a former general secretary of the Student Rights Council and currently holds a position in the Liaison Committee overseeing media and information affairs. Akram Hossain, a former general secretary of the Dhaka University branch of the Student Rights Council, now works in the education and other affairs section of the Liaison Committee. Another member, Anik Roy, served as the general secretary of the Student Union, while Alik Mri represents the plainland indigenous communities, and Sayak Chakma represents the hill tribes. Member Abu Rayhan Khan previously held the position of general secretary of the Student Federation’s Dhaka University branch. Member Saleh Uddin Sifat has long been outspoken against abuses related to student dormitories at Dhaka University. Another member, Kaneta Ya Lam Lam, was involved in the politics of the Student Wing of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and ran for DUCSU elections under their banner.

Other committee members include Saif Mostafiz, Monira Sharmeen, Nahida Sarwar Chowdhury, Sarwar Tusher, Mutasim Billah, Ashraf Uddin Mahdi, Alauddin Muhammad, Zabed Rashin, Md. Nijam Uddin, Sabhanaz Rashid Dia, Pranjal Costa, Mainul Islam Tuhin, Abdullah Al Amin, Hujaifa Ibne Umar, Srobona Shafiq Dipti, Sanjida Rahman Tuli, Mahmuda Alam Mitu, Shagufta Bushra Mishma, Syed Hasan Imtiaz, Tasnim Zara, Mohammad Miraj Mia, Md. Azhar Uddin Anik, Md. Mizbah Kamal, Ataullah, SM Shahriar, Manzur Al Matin, Pritom Das, Tasnuva Zabin, Arpita Shyma Deb, Mazharul Islam Fakir, Mushfiq us Salehin, Tahsin Reaz, Hasan Ali Khan, Md. Abdul Ahad, Faisal Mahmud Shanto, Moshiur Rahman, Atik Mujahid, Tanzil Mahmud, Abdullah Al Mamun Faisal, Md. Farhad Alam Bhuiyan, SM Suja, Md. Arifur Rahman, Syeda Akhter, Shorna Akhter, and Salman Muhammad Muqtadir.

Convener Nasiruddin Patwary said, “The committee will work together to eradicate dictatorship in Bangladesh following a mass uprising. We, along with the students and citizens, will resist both domestic and foreign conspiracies. We seek the cooperation of all journalists, intellectuals, and students at every level for this cause.”

Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain added, “The people of Bangladesh have been liberated from dictatorship through the mass uprising of students and citizens. This National Citizens’ Committee has been formed to establish justice and build a better Bangladesh.”

The committee outlined eight primary objectives, including upholding the collective will and democratic aspirations reflected in the recent student-citizen uprising, ensuring justice for those involved in brutal killings, collaborating with an interim government to implement necessary reforms, and working towards the unification of citizens at all levels through social, cultural, and political initiatives.

Further goals include continuing resistance against fascist forces, organizing dialogues with diverse groups, including expatriate Bangladeshis, and developing policies for restructuring state institutions. The committee also plans to organize a Constituent Assembly and hold a referendum to draft a new democratic constitution.

In a press release, the National Citizens’ Committee stated that it has begun working as a convening committee. It will soon engage with social, cultural, religious, and professional leaders, as well as people from all walks of life, to expand its influence at the grassroots level and work towards restructuring the state.