Dhaka, April 25 -- A new political party named "Janata Party Bangladesh" has officially been launched, with veteran film actor and road safety campaigner Ilias Kanchan assuming the role of Chairman.

The party's general secretary, journalist Shaukat Mahmood, who was expelled from the BNP two years ago, announced its formation on Friday at a press conference held at InterContinental Dhaka hotel.

"Every mass uprising, revolution, and movement in the history of Bangladesh has led to the emergence of new political forces inspired by the spirit of those struggles," said Shaukat.

He emphasised that the party is being launched to combat all forms of discrimination, fascism, and authoritarianism, to ensure public welfare, justice, and sovereign...