Bangladeshi students at the forefront of protests that ousted Sheikh Hasina as prime minister last year launched a political party on Friday to contest elections likely to be held by the end of the year.

Nahid Islam, key leader in the student movement, resigned from government's advisory council on Feb. 25, named National Citizens' Party convener - Anadolu Ajansı

Bangladeshi students who played a key role in last year's uprising that led to the downfall of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina have officially launched a new political party aimed at promoting national unity and overcoming division in the South Asian country.

Students in Bangladesh who led a mass uprising to topple former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last summer are now diving into politics by forming the new National Citizen Party. The aim is to create new political space in a fiercely divisive dynastic political landscape.

Bangladeshi students, who were at the forefront of last year's protests that ousted then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, are set to launch a political party this week, two sources with direct knowledge of the development said.

A Bangladeshi student group that led an uprising to oust Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year has started a new political party.