Rifat Rashid

Mohammad Rashidul Islam Rifat , commonly known as Rifat Rashid , is a Bangladeshi student leader and political activist. He is the chief organizer of Jatiya Jubo Shakti, the youth wing of the National Citizen Party (NCP). Before joining NCP, Rifat served as the president of Students Against Discrimination.

Rifat gained national prominence as one of the key coordinators of the Students Against Discrimination movement during the July Uprising of 2024, which led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. On 28 July at around 8:00 PM, these six coordinators were coerced into recording a video message from the DB office announcing the withdrawal of all protest programs.

Rifat was among the four coordinators who remained free and immediately rejected the announcement. This decision proved critical in maintaining the momentum of the uprising.

Continuation of protests

On 31 July 2024, Rifat signed a press release announcing a nationwide program titled "Remembering the Heroes" for 1 August, in memory of those killed, injured, and tortured by police during the quota reform movement. He called for online and offline campaigns using the hashtags "#July Massacre" and "#RememberingOurHeroes" on social media platforms.

The protests continued and intensified, ultimately leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 5 August 2024.

Post-uprising activities

Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad

Following the July Uprising, efforts began to form a new student organization. On 26 February 2025, the Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad (Bangladesh Democratic Student Council) was launched with Abu Bakar Majumder as convener.

On 27 February 2025, a 205-member central committee was announced. Rifat was appointed as senior joint member secretary. Sources indicated that his resignation stemmed from dissatisfaction with his position, which did not align with his expectations. The decision followed allegations of extortion against some regional coordinators.

In an emergency press conference at Shahbagh, Rifat stated: "We have observed several incidents, including yesterday's, where individuals tried to misuse the SAD banner for unethical activities. We had warned from the beginning that such actions would not be tolerated. Unfortunately, under the influence of political parties, some members engaged in corrupt practices, which have now become nearly impossible for us to control."

National Citizen Party

Jatiya Jubo Shakti

On 16 May 2025, the National Citizen Party (NCP) launched its youth wing, Jatiya Jubo Shakti (National Youth Power), at Shaheed Abrar Fahad Avenue in Dhaka. A 131-member convening committee was announced, comprising representatives from all 64 districts of Bangladesh.

Advocate Tariqul Islam was appointed as convenor, Dr. Jahedul Islam as member secretary, and Engineer Forhad Sohel as chief organizer. Yasin Arafat was appointed as senior organizer working with the chief organizer.

In April 2026, Rifat Rashid officially joined the NCP's Jatiya Jubo Shakti as chief organizer, succeeding Forhad Sohel in the position. His appointment was announced through a message from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, confirming his transition into the National Citizen Party's organizational structure.

Political positions

Rifat views the July Uprising as a result of collective student action and emphasizes the importance of maintaining the movement's independence from political party manipulation. He has stated that the movement must remain focused on its core demands of justice, accountability, and systemic reform rather than being co-opted by established political interests.

Speaking about the movement's organization during the uprising, Rifat noted: "It wasn't just us, it had become a mass movement. Everything was shut down. People took to the streets demanding justice for their children."