Although Jatiya Party (JP) has not been invited to participate in discussions organised by the interim government, the party remains hopeful of receiving an invitation to the Election Commission’s (EC) upcoming dialogue.
Speaking to the media after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin at the EC headquarters in Agargaon on Thursday afternoon, Shamim Haider Patwary, secretary general of the GM Quader-led faction, expressed this expectation.
He said the party has high hopes from the EC at a time when Bangladesh is navigating a politically tense and divisive period. Patwary expressed confidence that the commission would remain impartial and conduct a fair election, enabling “a new light of democracy” to shine in the country.
“We have shared our concerns with CEC, and he has taken note. We firmly believe the commission will make every effort to ensure a credible election. Despite its limitations, we do not think EC will fall short in its responsibilities,” he said.
Patwary stressed that the EC must invite all registered political parties, listen to their concerns, and ensure a level playing field. “This is a difficult task, but it is the EC’s responsibility. The commission will need the cooperation of the government and political parties to achieve this, and without their support, a level playing field is impossible,” he added.
When asked about calls to disqualify the Jatiya Party, which participated in the last three national polls as an ally of the Awami League, Patwary rejected the idea as unfounded and damaging to democracy. He said the Representation of the People Order (RPO) contains no provision under which JP could be disqualified.
He noted that other parties, including BNP, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and Jamaat-e-Islami, had also participated in past elections, with some of Jamaat’s leaders still serving as local representatives. “Taking part in an election cannot be grounds for disqualification,” he said.
Regarding the recent internal conflict, where a faction elected Anisul Islam Mahmud as chairman and Ruhul Amin Hawlader as secretary general without GM Quader, Patwary said this move was unconstitutional. “No council can be held without the chairman, that is in our constitution. Such a council is invalid. No one except GM Quader else can legally hold the chairman’s post or use the party’s electoral symbol,” he asserted.