Our Origin & Founding Vision
— Barrister Abdullah Al Noman, Founder
The Nationalist Research Forum Bangladesh was not created overnight. It is the result of years of reflection, frustration, longing and, above all, hope.
I have always believed that Bangladesh deserves better than what is too often offered in our political and intellectual spheres. I have seen our national identity diluted, our history revised, and our political values compromised. But even in those moments of disillusionment, I held firmly to the legacy of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman—a man whose leadership redefined the meaning of patriotism, national dignity, and responsible governance. His vision was never about power for its own sake, but about the empowerment of the people through sovereignty, pluralism and faith.
Where It Began
The Forum’s origin lies not in any grand office or boardroom. It began in quiet conversations- some in cafés, others over midnight phone calls, and many shaped by a persistent sense of duty.
I vividly remember those early evenings with Barrister Mir Muhtasim Ali, my co-founder and one of my dearest friends. We would meet at a small café just outside Hornchurch in England. The atmosphere was quiet, the air often cold, but our discussions were charged with energy. We spoke of Bangladesh, of nationalism, of the need for an intellectual platform that would preserve and protect the political values we inherited.
There were nights when we spoke for hours on the phone- sometimes until dawn. I remember one such night when I hesitated, doubting whether I had the strength or the voice to establish something of this scale. It was Muhtasim who said to me, "If not us, then who? If not now, then when?" His faith in me was unshakable. His encouragement was not loud, but it was something I can barely express in words.
He reminded me that we are not merely products of political heritage- we are custodians of it.
A Forum for Sovereign Thought
And so, with shared conviction, we decided to found the Nationalist Research Forum Bangladesh. This is not a platform for slogans. It is a forum for thought, for action, and for truth. It is our response to the intellectual vacuum that has allowed others to define our story.
We established the Forum to champion the very values that President Ziaur Rahman defended: national sovereignty, people’s democracy, economic independence, and moral leadership. These are not abstract ideas to us. They are principles we believe must guide policymaking, public dialogue, and political engagement.
We felt a deep sense of duty to create an organisation where:
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Research would be shaped by national interest, not foreign funding.
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Young voices would be trained, not tamed.
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Policy would be informed by history, not trend.
Our Call to You
To those who have ever felt unheard, unseen or unrepresented in Bangladesh’s intellectual space- we see you. This Forum is for you.
To the youth seeking clarity amidst confusion- come and read, write, speak and lead.
To our elders who witnessed the promise of 1971 and the reforms of Ziaur Rahman guide us with your wisdom.
And to every proud Bangladeshi who believes in dignity without dependency- we invite you to walk with us.
The Nationalist Research Forum Bangladesh is not merely an institution. It is a cause. And it is only just beginning.
— Barrister Mir Muhtasim Ali, Co-Founder
Coming from a deeply rooted nationalist family, I have always cherished Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman for his uncompromising stance in safeguarding Bangladesh’s national interests and his resolute opposition to foreign interference. He reshaped Bangladesh by restoring democracy, pluralism, and faith in the nation’s identity and future.
One day, my friend, colleague, and the founder of this forum, Barrister Abdullah Al Noman, and I met at a café in Hornchurch, England. We discovered our shared ideology — a deep commitment to the nationalist cause. In an era where social media dominates public discourse, we recognised the need to present our values to the younger generation not through conventional means, but through a modern and accessible platform.
The Idea Behind the Platform
We discussed how institutions like Chatham House in the UK work to safeguard and promote British national interests. Unfortunately, Bangladesh lacks a comparable platform that champions our national values, history, and sovereignty on the global stage.
I have always believed - and this is no flattery - that Barrister Noman possesses greater social and leadership skills than I do. I encouraged him to take the lead in creating a platform where all citizens of Bangladesh, at home and abroad, could actively engage, share our rich cultural heritage, and demonstrate to the world that we are a proud and capable nation.
Building the Vision
The journey was far from easy. It took countless hours of discussion, brainstorming, and perseverance to shape this platform. Our vision was simple but powerful: to create a space for those who share nationalist views while upholding the religious, cultural, and historical values of Bangladesh.
We believe that whoever comes to power in the upcoming elections must prioritise Bangladesh’s national interests above all else, standing firm against foreign pressure and interference. Yet while we champion nationalist ideals, this platform remains open to constructive criticism, debate, and engagement from all citizens of Bangladesh.
A Platform for the Youth — Listening and Leading Together
Our greatest strength as a nation lies in our youth. This platform is committed to working hand-in-hand with young Bangladeshis, listening to their concerns, their aspirations, and their ideas. We aim to act as a bridge, carrying their voices to those in positions of influence and responsibility, ensuring that the new generation is heard and empowered to shape the nation’s future.
Our Promise
We pledge to work tirelessly in service of our beloved country. This platform belongs to every patriot who wishes to contribute meaningfully to Bangladesh’s progress, dignity, and sovereignty. Together, we will honour the legacy of our nationalist leaders, preserve our cultural identity, and stand united as a nation determined to build a brighter, prouder future.
📝 Submit a Policy Paper
The Nationalist Research Forum Bangladesh (NRFB) welcomes the submission of original, well-researched, and policy-oriented papers that align with our core values: Bangladeshi nationalism, sovereignty, democracy, social justice, and strategic self-reliance.
We encourage researchers, academics, policymakers, postgraduate students, and experienced professionals—both in Bangladesh and in the diaspora—to submit policy papers for consideration. Submissions should aim to inform public debate, influence policymaking, and reflect a commitment to the national interest.
Recommended Structure of a Policy Paper
A strong policy paper should be clear, concise, and evidence-based. While there is no strict word limit, we recommend submissions be within 10 A4 pages in length (approximately 3,000 to 5,000 words), excluding references and appendices.
Each paper should ideally include the following components:
1. Title Page
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Title of the paper
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Author’s full name and institutional affiliation (if applicable)
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Date of submission
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Contact email
2. Executive Summary (250–300 words)
A brief overview of the issue, key findings, and policy recommendations. This summary should stand alone and offer a clear insight into the paper’s purpose and conclusions.
3. Introduction
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Outline the topic and its relevance to Bangladesh
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Clearly state the problem or issue being addressed
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Define the scope, objectives, and importance of the policy discussion
4. Background & Context
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Present relevant national and international context
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Include legal, economic, political, or historical background
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Reference key stakeholders and institutions involved
5. Policy Analysis
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Present an evidence-based analysis of the issue
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Include data, comparative examples, or case studies if relevant
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Discuss current policies or institutional frameworks
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Identify gaps, limitations, or contradictions in existing policy
6. Proposed Solutions or Alternatives
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Outline realistic, actionable policy proposals
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Present one or more alternative approaches
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Justify each proposal using logic, precedent, or data
7. Policy Recommendations
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Provide clear and specific recommendations for government, civil society, or relevant stakeholders
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Highlight short-, medium-, and long-term actions
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Suggest potential risks, trade-offs, or implementation considerations
8. Conclusion
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Summarise the argument and reinforce the importance of action
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Restate the national value or interest served by the recommendation
9. References and Citations
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Use Harvard-style referencing throughout
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Ensure all sources, quotations, data, and citations are properly acknowledged
10. Appendices (if applicable)
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Include any supplementary material such as charts, legal texts, statistical tables, or policy documents
Submission Guidelines
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Papers must be submitted in PDF or Word format
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All submissions should be original, unpublished work
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By submitting, authors grant NRFB the right to publish the paper online and in print, with due credit
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Submissions may be reviewed by our Editorial Advisory Board before publication
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Selected authors may be invited to present their work at an NRFB roundtable or seminar
📧 Submit your policy paper via email to:
research@nrfb.org.bd