Jamaat-e-Islami, the National Citizen Party (NCP), Gono Odhikar Parishad, and several Islamic parties have united in their support for excluding the Jatiya Party (JaPa) from the upcoming national election – a move that political insiders suggest is aimed at preventing the party from tapping into the Awami League’s vote base.
Leaders of these parties are even considering raising strong demands for JaPa’s formal ban, accusing it of collaborating with the Awami League – which was toppled in the 2024 July Uprising and now faces a ban on its activities – and insisting that its leaders be brought to justice.
“Why should JaPa, which collaborates with the Awami League, be allowed to contest the election? Their crimes are not insignificant,” Jamaat Assistant Secretary General AHM Hamidur Rahman Azad told TIMES of Bangladesh.
He urged the government to take action against JaPa and expressed confidence that the party would eventually be excluded from the electoral race.
NCP Secretary General Akhtar Hossain said, “We have been repeatedly demanding action against JaPa. However, we still haven’t seen any effective measures. If the government does not take swift action against the party, many will take to the streets.”
Political insiders suggest that another motive is also at play behind the move. With the Awami League barred from contesting the polls, some fear that a portion of its traditional vote base could shift to JaPa, boosting the party’s position. However, Jamaat’s Hamidur Rahman Azad does not believe that JaPa will receive votes from the Awami League.
JaPa Secretary General Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary has expressed concern over the possibility that the party may eventually be pushed out of the election.
“If the government truly desires an inclusive election, it must involve all political parties,” Shamim Patwary told TIMES of Bangladesh.
He added, “If we are kept out of the election, some people might benefit, which is why they may oppose us.”
JaPa has faced significant pressure in the wake of the political changes following the fall of the government on 5 August 2024. The Awami League, a long-time political ally of JaPa, was ousted in the student-led mass uprising in August last year. During the Awami League’s last tenure, JaPa was the main opposition party. However, there are allegations that JaPa played a role in helping the Awami League become “fascist” in nature.
Since the formation of the Awami League government in 2009, JaPa has been a key ally. Despite most opposition parties, including the BNP and Jamaat, boycotting the 2014 elections, JaPa participated. After that election, JaPa played a dual role, both supporting the government and acting as an opposition party.
The same was true for the controversial 2018 and 2024 elections, where JaPa aligned with the Awami League’s directions. As a result, after the fall of the Awami League government, cases were filed against JaPa’s chairman, G M Quader, and other top leaders. The party’s central office was set on fire. With the Awami League now banned from political activities, it technically has no opportunity to contest the upcoming election.
Similarly, other parties aim to keep JaPa out of the electoral process.Multiple sources suggest that those opposing JaPa’s participation may intensify their protests soon, calling for action. They are also expected to announce programmes to support this demand. Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan said, “JaPa’s chairman is still in regular contact with Sheikh Hasina. We have previously called for accountability from JaPa, but the government has not shown any sincerity in this matter.”
He added, “If JaPa is not banned, we may be forced to take to the streets. If the government does not take action, we will not allow them to participate in the election.”
Islamic Andolon Bangladesh Senior Joint Secretary General Gazi Ataur Rahman also supported keeping JaPa out of the election. He said, “The party has not even apologised yet. Its leaders must be held accountable. The people do not want them in the election.”
