Nahid Islam, a Bangladeshi student leader, has stepped down from his position in the interim government of Bangladesh. This move is a sign that he will form a new political party.

Last year, Islam was a pivotal figure in the movement opposing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s policies under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. As opposition parties and Islamist groups joined in, the student-led protests escalated into a more powerful anti-Hasina movement. With the military backing the protesters, Hasina was forced to leave the country on August 5. Soon after, the military and protest groups selected Muhammad Yunus as the unelected leader of Bangladesh.

Islam became an adviser to Yunus' government's information and broadcasting ministry but resigned on Tuesday.

A new political party is set to be launched on Friday afternoon, initiated by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the National Citizens Committee, with Islam expected to serve as its convenor.

On Sunday, Islam met Yunus and reportedly expressed his intention to resign. When Islam arrived at Yunus' residence, his car displayed the official flag, but it was missing when he left after the meeting.

The formation of Islam’s new party suggests that the return of electoral democracy could be on the horizon, or at the very least, student groups that opposed Hasina might begin advocating for it. Previously, Yunus stated that elections could occur by the end of 2025.

Yunus, who has never been elected and lacks popular support, has faced widespread criticism. Since being positioned as a temporary leader, he has been accused of overseeing repeated violence against minorities, including Hindus and enabling Islamist groups, who have gained significant influence under his rule.