New political party JDP debuts with 90-member central committee

Justice and Democracy Party (JDP) has formally debuted in the political arena, announcing a 90-member central committee and outlining an agenda centred on constitutional reform and social democracy.

JDP Convener Naeem Ahmad unveiled the party and its leadership at a press conference held at the National Shaheed Minar in the capital on Friday afternoon.

Advocate Abdul Alim has been named member secretary, while Md Ahsan Ullah has been appointed chief organiser.

At the event, Naeem Ahmad declared the party’s clear stance in favour of abolishing the 1972 Constitution and forming a new state structure based on social democracy.

He said the move was essential to build a non-discriminatory and prosperous Bangladesh in line with the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War and the aspirations of the July 2024 mass uprising.

He argued that relying solely on constitutional amendments is risky, citing the “basic structure” doctrine recognised by the High Court, which allows key amendments passed in parliament to be struck down.

He added that the Appellate Division has already ruled that the fundamental structure of the Constitution cannot be altered, making a new constitution a more viable long-term solution.

Referring to the current political discourse, Naeem said debates over forming a Constituent Assembly and constitutional reform have intensified. He noted that although BNP has shown reluctance to establish a Constituent Assembly, it has pledged to implement parts of its 31-point plan and July Charter through amendments.

He said such steps could sustain public demand for reform and help shape opinion in favour of a new constitution.

The JDP also criticised Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies, claiming that a significant section of the public has lost trust in the opposition bloc.

Outlining its ideological framework, the party said it aims to replace “socialism” with “social democracy” and “Bengali nationalism” with “Bangladesh nationalism” in the Constitution.

It reiterated its commitment to holding Constituent Assembly elections to draft a new constitution if it comes to power.

On justice, the party pledged to ensure equal treatment for all citizens regardless of political affiliation. It also called for fair and impartial legal proceedings for Awami League leaders and activists, warning against turning trials into a “farce” or unjustly seizing property.

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The JDP announced a series of programmes for the coming month, including a nationwide membership drive throughout April, mobilisation demanding justice for the July massacre and the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, and a national representative conference in Dhaka in May.

In the central committee, Nazrul Islam and Imran Hossain Rahat have been appointed senior joint conveners, while Noora Zerin and Rakib Hasan have been named senior joint member secretaries.

Abul Bashar has been made joint chief organiser. The committee also includes 13 joint conveners and 20 joint member secretaries among other stakeholders.