The DUCSU election took place on 25 February 2019.[a] Leaders of the quota reform movement participated in the election, considering their influence and acceptance as a panel.[10][11] Despite allegations of irregularities and rigging in the election, two leaders of the quota reform movement won the positions of Vice President and Social Services Secretary.[12][13] This success contributed to the emergence of a potential new political trend within the broader student rights movement.
On Tuesday, 26 October 2021, the Gono Odhikar Parishad was officially launched as a political party.[14][15][16] The party was founded under the leadership of economist Dr. Reza Kibria and former DUCSU Vice President Nurul Haq Nur, with four core principles: democracy, justice, rights, and national interest.[17] The party's headquarters is located at the Al Razi Complex in Bijoynagar, Purana Paltan, Dhaka.[b]
In June 2023, Reza Kibria, the convenor of the party, and Nurul Haq, the member secretary, dismissed each other from their positions.[23] Later, on 10 July, Nurul Haq's supporters held a national council, electing Nurul Haq as the President and Muhammad Rashed Khan as the General Secretary.[24] However, another faction formed a convening committee with Reza Kibria as the convenor and Faruk Hasan as the acting member secretary.[25] On 26 September, Reza Kibria's faction applied to the Election Commission for registration as a political party, but the application was rejected.[26] On 31 December 2023, Reza Kibria left the Gono Odhikar Parishad.[27]
The party applied for registration to participate in the Twelfth National Parliamentary Election, but failed to obtain it.[28] On 13 December 2023, the party held a protest and road blockade demanding the cancellation of the election schedule, resignation of the government, and elections under a neutral government.[29] On 19 December, the police obstructed the party's program.[30]
In June 2024, efforts were made to reunite the two factions of the party.[31] On 14 August, the party demanded the banning of the Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League and designating them as terrorist organizations.[32] On 31 August , grassroots members of the party's two factions issued an ultimatum to unite.[33] On 2 September, the Bangladesh Election Commission granted the party its registration.[34]
