A new political party is being formed under the initiative of several former military officers. The party will include not only ex-military personnel but also semi-military, businessman, social activists, former civil servants, leaders from various political parties, and professionals who feel marginalized. The party is being led by retired Brigadier General Mohammad Shamim Kamal. An ad-hoc committee has already been formed to oversee the party’s organizational and administrative activities.
The committee’s General Secretary is Major General (Retd.) Ibn Fazal Saikhuzzaman, with former Major (Retd.) Delwar Hossain Khan and ex-leader of the Jatiya Party, Nurul Kader Sohel, serving as Deputy Secretaries. According to sources, the name of the new political party has not yet been finalized and discussions are ongoing.
Recently, news surfaced about the formation of a political party led by five former military chiefs, including Brigadier General (Retd.) Shamim Kamal. In response, former military chief General (Retd.) Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan posted on Facebook on February 4, refuting the claims of his involvement, stating that the news was incorrect. The following day, the concerned news outlet apologized, admitted the mistake, and retracted the story.
A group of former military officers is in the process of forming a new political party. In addition to ex-military officials, the party is expected to include representatives from semi-military forces, businesspeople, intellectuals, former bureaucrats, marginalized leaders from various political parties, and professionals. Retired Brigadier General Mohammad Shamim Kamal is leading the efforts to establish this party, and an ad-hoc committee has already been formed to manage the organizational and administrative tasks.
The committee’s Secretary-General is Major General (Retd.) Ibn Fazal Saikhuzzaman, with retired Major (Retd.) Delwar Hossain Khan and former Jatiya Party leader Nurul Kader Sohel serving as Deputy Secretaries. Sources reveal that the name of the new political party is still under consideration.
Recently, a report claimed the formation of a political party led by five former military chiefs, including Brigadier General (Retd.) Shamim Kamal. In response, former military chief General (Retd.) Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan publicly denied joining any such political party, and the news outlet later issued an apology and retracted the report.
Another retired military officer, Lieutenant General (Retd.) Mohammad Mustafizur Rahman, accused Brigadier General (Retd.) Shamim Kamal of planning to create a “B-team” of the Awami League, though the founders of the new party have denied these allegations.
On February 2, a meeting was held at the Towers-71 Convention Hall in the capital’s ECB Square to discuss the formation of the party. Over 150 representatives, including former military officers, students, and professionals, attended the gathering.
For months, Brigadier General (Retd.) Shamim Kamal has been leading numerous meetings and discussions to advance the formation of this political party. Four committees are currently working on the process: the think tank and constitution drafting committee, advisory committee, parliamentary candidate selection committee, and organizational management committee. An ad-hoc organizational committee has also been formed for the time being.
The committee for drafting the constitution consists of 10 senior members, including Major General (Retd.) FM Zahid Hossain and Brigadier General (Retd.) Mohammad Abul Hashem. Other key members include Major (Retd.) Delwar Hossain Khan and Lieutenant Colonel (Retd.) Mohammad Moazzem Hossain. Coordination of overall activities is handled by Major General (Retd.) Ismail Faruk Chowdhury, Lieutenant General (Retd.) Sabbir Ahmed, Lieutenant General (Retd.) SM Matiur Rahman, and Lieutenant General (Retd.) Nazim Uddin.
According to Major General (Retd.) Ibn Fazal Saikhuzzaman, “We have seen all types of governments—democratic, autocratic, caretaker, interim, and military-backed. The people have always been oppressed. Overall, we believe the people are yearning for change. They want to live well. We are unable to do so because those in power want to govern the country through force and corruption. They politicize all state institutions and businesses. We want to change this. We aim to form a party with honest and impartial bureaucrats, politicians, former military officers, businesspeople, and intellectuals. If we can send 10-15 of them to Parliament, they will bring about the initial changes and fight for the people.”
According to sources, 170 former military officers, four former ministers, 15 former Members of Parliament, five ex-bureaucrats, and 20 prominent journalists, cultural figures, and lawyers have expressed interest in joining the new political party. Additionally, several business leaders from the top 10 companies in the country may also join. Even leaders from the business community’s top organization, FBCCI, and experienced political leaders from various parties are expected to join. However, since the party’s formation process is not yet complete, the list of names has not been published. Once the legal process of formation is finished, a full committee with the names of members will be disclosed.
Brigadier General (Retd.) Shamim Kamal, the convenor of the party, stated, “The political party will be based on the principles of Bangladeshi nationalism, with the aim of building a just Bangladesh led by honest, educated, patriotic, and selfless individuals.”
Although the party is initially supported by former military members, it will include professionals from all sectors. The party’s leadership will primarily be provided by youth and students. A national conference will be held soon to finalize the leadership.
When asked why this political party is necessary, Brigadier General (Retd.) Kamal responded, “History shows that many political parties come to power with overwhelming electoral victories, but soon fade away. We want to be the exception and lead this party forward.”
The new political party being formed by former military officers has made it clear that it will not engage in debates on historical issues or align itself with any individual, group, or geopolitical faction. Positioned as a centrist political entity, the party will represent the people of Bangladesh, grounded in the principles of Bangladeshi nationalism. It is committed to safeguarding the constitutional, fundamental, and civil rights of the people.
The party’s organizers have also stated that discussions are ongoing with former officers of the air force and navy to join the movement. Additionally, several individuals who were involved in the student movement during the July-August popular uprising are expected to join the party.
Eight former student movement leaders expressed interest in joining the party during a meeting held on February 2. The party organizers are also hopeful that students from private universities will also be inclined to join.
Nurul Kader Sohel, the Deputy Secretary of the party’s organizational and administrative committee, shared that he had contested in the 12th National Parliamentary Election as a candidate from the Jatiya Party, opposing former President Zillur Rahman’s son, Nazmul Hasan, in the Kishoreganj-6 constituency.
He added, “Many leaders, including supporters of Raushan Ershad in the Jatiya Party, as well as marginalized leaders from the BNP and Awami League, are expected to join this new party. Contrary to the propaganda labeling us as the ‘B-team’ of Awami League, we have more individuals opposing Awami League in our ranks.”
LND/SAKIB
