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. When six front-line coordinators were detained by the Detective Branch (DB) and forced to announce the withdrawal of the movement on 28 July 2024, Rifat was among the four coordinators who rejected the announcement and continued leading the protests, ultimately contributing to the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August 2024.
Early life and education
Mohammad Rashidul Islam Rifat was born in Cumilla District, Bangladesh. He moved to Ashulia, on the outskirts of Dhaka.
Rifat was admitted to Dhaka University in the 2020–21 session.
Political activism
Gonotantrik Chhatra Shakti
Rifat became involved with Gonotantrik Chhatra Shakti (Democratic Student Force), a student organization formed on 4 October 2023 under the leadership of Akhter Hossen.
July Uprising (2024)
Early involvement
Rifat was instrumental in drafting the movement's demands. He handwrote the draft of the four-point demand that became central to the Students Against Discrimination platform.
Coordination during the movement
The coordinators stayed in a place in Chankharpul they called "Swapno" (Dream), with Room 601 serving as their base of operations. As Eid approached, the coordinators were concerned that momentum might be lost during the break. They issued an ultimatum that the government had until 30 June to reform the quota system.
Rejection of forced withdrawal
On 26–28 July 2024, six front-line coordinators—Nahid Islam, Asif Mahmud, Abu Bakar Majumder, Sarjis Alam, Hasnat Abdullah, and Nusrat Tabassum—were detained by the Detective Branch of police. 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. When asked why he opposed the withdrawal announcement, Rifat explained: "It wasn't about trust, it was about circumstances. They were taken to DB and forced to read a statement. It was obvious. Before being arrested, Asif Bhai had told us, 'Whoever is on the field will lead.' So we didn't accept that statement. I was scared then wondering if people would still listen to us. But we decided to reject the DB's announcement and continue the movement. That was a very difficult time."
Alongside coordinators Abdul Kader, Abdul Hannan Masud, and Mahin Sarkar, Rifat declared that the six detained coordinators had been coerced and that the movement would continue.
Continuation of protests
Rifat confirmed the release of the six detained coordinators on 1 August 2024 through a Facebook post. Following their release, the coordinators jointly stated that their video announcement from DB custody was not voluntary and that they had been forced to make the statement.
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. However, the same day, Rifat resigned from the newly formed organization citing personal reasons. Sources indicated that his resignation stemmed from dissatisfaction with his position, which did not align with his expectations.
Students Against Discrimination presidency
On 25 June 2025, the first central council of Students Against Discrimination was held at the platform's central office in Rupayan Tower at Banglamotor, Dhaka. Rifat was elected as president of the organization, with Sheikh Enamul Hasan (Hasan Enam) elected as general secretary. Moinul Islam was elected as organizing secretary, and Sinthiya Zaheen Ayesha was elected as spokesperson.
Suspension of regional committees
On 27 July 2025, Rifat announced the suspension of all regional committees of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement across Bangladesh, excluding the central committee.
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."
He urged law enforcement agencies to take legal action against those involved in such activities.
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.
See also July Uprising Students Against Discrimination National Citizen Party Jatiya Jubo Shakti Gonotantrik Chhatra Shakti
References
External links Jatiya Jubo Shakti official website Rifat Rashid on Facebook