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.
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Where It Began
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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.
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A Forum for Sovereign Thought
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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.
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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.
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— 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.
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🧑🎓 University Youth Chapters
Empowering the Next Generation of Nationalist Thinkers
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The Nationalist Research Forum Bangladesh (NRFBD) recognises that the youth are not only the future of our nation—they are the conscience of its present. Our University Youth Chapters are designed to provide patriotic and intellectually driven students with a structured platform to engage in policy, governance, national history, and thought leadership rooted in the values of Bangladeshi nationalism.
These chapters foster dialogue, research, debate, and action—led by students, for students—under the guiding values of sovereignty, democracy, and national responsibility.
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🔹 What is a Youth Chapter?
An NRFBD University Youth Chapter is an officially recognised student-led group based at a university or academic institution. Each chapter acts as an extension of NRFBD’s intellectual mission, focusing on activities that cultivate civic awareness, policy analysis, and nationalist political thought.
Youth Chapters operate independently on campus while maintaining close collaboration with NRFBD’s central Youth Engagement team.
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🔹 Activities of a Chapter
Each chapter is encouraged to design its own programme of events and activities, including:
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Reading circles and discussion forums on constitutional nationalism, democracy, foreign policy, and leadership
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Debates, lectures, and seminars hosted with local academics and public figures
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Commemorative events honouring key national days and the legacy of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman
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Research groups exploring issues of governance, youth policy, social justice, and Bangladeshi identity
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Essay competitions, policy writing workshops, and student publications
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Collaboration with other university societies and civic organisations
All chapter activities should reflect NRFBD’s commitment to non-partisan, evidence-based, and values-driven policy engagement.
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🔹 Why Join or Lead a Chapter?
Being part of an NRFBD Youth Chapter means more than just extracurricular activity. It is an opportunity to become a public-minded scholar, a confident communicator, and a leader of principle.
Benefits include:
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Official recognition from NRFBD
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Personal mentorship from legal professionals and senior researchers
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Opportunities to publish writing or policy briefs on NRFBD platforms
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Priority access to NRFBD fellowships, events, and national forums
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Networking with student leaders across universities in Bangladesh and abroad
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Annual awards for outstanding chapters and individuals
🔹 How to Start a Chapter
Students who wish to establish a new chapter must follow a formal registration process.
To start a chapter, you will need to:
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Form a core team of five or more students from the same institution
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Appoint a Chapter President and preferably a Faculty Sponsor
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Submit a Chapter Proposal to NRFBD including:
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University name and proposed chapter name
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Names and roles of core members
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A short mission statement (250 words max)
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A preliminary activity plan (for the first six months)
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Confirmation from a faculty sponsor (if available)
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📎 [ Download Proposal Template ]
📤 [ Submit Chapter Proposal ]
🔹 Expectations & Code of Conduct
All Youth Chapters must operate in alignment with NRFBD’s constitutional values and institutional independence. Chapter leaders and members are expected to:
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Maintain a non-partisan academic posture in all activities
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Submit a brief quarterly report of activities to the NRFBD Youth Engagement team
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Avoid engaging in unauthorised political endorsements in the name of NRFBD
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Uphold mutual respect, diversity of opinion, and national dignity in all chapter work
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Notify NRFBD of any leadership transitions or changes in structure
🔹 Recognition and Awards
Each year, NRFBD will formally recognise outstanding contributions made by Youth Chapters through:
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Chapter of the Year Award
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Best Campus Event or Initiative Award
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Youth Scholar of the Year (individual recognition)
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Opportunities to represent NRFBD at national and international policy forums
🔹 Contact and Support
Our Youth Engagement Coordinator is available to assist with all matters related to chapter formation, event planning, and leadership development.
📧 For queries or submissions, contact: youth@nrfbd.org.bd