‘People’s Party Bangladesh’ launched under leadership of Ilias Kanchan

Published : Friday, 25 April, 2025 at 5:26 PM Count : 217

Veteran actor and road safety activist Ilias Kanchan launched a new political party, People's Party Bangladesh, at a programme in Dhaka today.

The event, held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Dhaka, began around 10:30am with a recitation from the Holy Quran and was followed by an introductory speech from the party's executive chairman and spokesperson, former state minister for education Golam Sarwar Milon.

The newly formed party unveiled its 27-member central committee and announced its intention to apply for registration with the Election Commission.

Ilias Kanchan, who had founded the Nirapad Sarak Chai (We Demand Safe Road) organisation, will serve as the party's chairman. Journalist and former Jatiya Press Club president Shaukat Mahmood has been appointed secretary general.

The party has pledged to "build a country of justice".

"Just as I have worked honestly for the people of this country through Nirapad Sarak Chai, I want to serve the nation with the same integrity through this political platform," Kanchan said.

Explaining his decision to enter politics, he said, "For 32 years, I worked to promote road safety without any support from the government. I have now come to believe that such change is not possible without political will and the cooperation of the state."

Shaukat Mahmood said, "We are forming this party to uphold democracy, ensure justice, and combat all forms of discrimination and fascism. Inspired by the Liberation War, the National Revolution of November 7, the mass uprising of the 1990s, and the July 2024 Movement, we are beginning our journey under the banner of Janata Party Bangladesh (People's Party Bangladesh)."

Shaukat, a former BNP vice-chairman, was expelled in March 2023 for "violating party discipline".

"Building the foundation for the future of Bangladesh through the aspirations of the student-people's mass uprising is the primary political duty," he said. "We aim to move forward in the successful journey of creating a new Bangladesh based on equality, human dignity, and social justice."

He added that the party was formed after "two to three years of consultations and public engagement," and that its constitution, logo, electoral symbol, and flag will soon be submitted to the Election Commission.

Dismissing speculation that the party was created for personal political gains, Shaukat said, "Many were compelled to participate in the 2024 elections. I can tell you that intelligence agencies detained me and filed 70 cases against me, even threatening to announce a verdict in one of them."

FP/MI