A new political party named Janata Party Bangladesh has officially been launched. Popular film actor Ilias Kanchan has taken over as the party’s chairman, while Shawkat Mahmud has been appointed as the secretary general.
The announcement was made at an event held at Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka around 11:15 AM on Friday (April 25).
During the launching ceremony, Shawkat Mahmud — a former president of the National Press Club and once vice-chairman of the BNP — unveiled the party’s name and manifesto.
In his speech, Shawkat Mahmud stated that the history of Bangladesh shows that every major uprising, movement, and revolution has led to the emergence of new political forces inspired by a spirit of struggle. He added that in the current context — where there is a growing need to restructure the state based on the ideals of the 1971 Liberation War and the mass awakening of 2024 — the formation of a new political party is both timely and essential.
He emphasized that the Janata Party Bangladesh aims to move democracy forward by standing against all forms of inequality, fascism, and domination. The party is committed to ensuring public welfare, justice, national sovereignty, and strengthening a proud sense of nationalism.
At the event, Ilias Kanchan — who is also the founder and chairman of the road safety movement Nirapad Sarak Chai — announced the 27-member ad hoc committee of the party.
According to the newly announced structure, Ilias Kanchan serves as Chairman. Golam Sarwar Milon has been named the Executive Chairman and party spokesperson. The Vice-Chairmen are Rafiqul Haque Hafiz, Waliur Rahman Khan, Rehana Salam, Md. Abdullah, M.A. Yusuf, and Nirmal Chakraborty.
Shawkat Mahmud has been appointed Secretary General. M. Asaduzzaman is the Senior Joint Secretary General. Joint Secretary Generals include ABM Rafiqul Haque Talukder Raja, Al Amin Raju, and Nazmul Ahsan. Nurul Kader Sohel will serve as the party coordinator.
Murad Ahmed has been appointed Organizing Secretary, Gulzar Hossain as Technology Secretary, and Hasibur Reza Kallol as Publicity Secretary.
Additionally, Major (Retd.) Imran and Colonel (Retd.) Sabbir have joined the committee as honorary members. The Advisory Council includes Shah Md. Abu Zafar, Major (Retd.) Mujib, Iqbal Hossain Mahmud, Dr. Farhad Hossain Mahbub, Zafar Iqbal Siddiqui, Auwal Thakur, Touhida Faruqi, and Mamunur Rashid.