Dhaka, Dec 18 (V7N) — The Jatiya Party (JaPa), led by G.M. Quader, has announced its intention to contest all 300 seats in the upcoming 13th National Parliament elections. The announcement was made by the party’s Secretary General Shamim Haider Patwary during a press conference held at the Jatiya Party central office in Kakrail on Wednesday evening, following a central committee meeting.
Shamim Haider Patwary stated that due to the current law and order situation, political tension, and threats from ruling party affiliates, the party does not believe a free and fair election is currently possible. Nevertheless, the Jatiya Party has decided to participate in the electoral process.
He highlighted that the country is currently at a critical juncture and described the law and order situation as deteriorating more than at any previous pre-election period in Bangladesh. Patwary noted that although the Jatiya Party participated in nine of the last twelve parliamentary elections, it has never faced such a challenging environment two months before a vote.
The Secretary General emphasized that prior to any election, political consensus, tension reduction, and a conducive environment are essential. However, he said, the opposite is occurring, with rising tensions and insufficient initiatives by the government, election commission, or other stakeholders to address the situation. Citing former information adviser Mahfuz Alam, Patwary warned of the possibility of a “rigged” or “engineered” election if measures are not taken.
Patwary reflected on the Jatiya Party’s historical role as the main opposition during the 10th, 11th, and 12th parliaments under Awami League governments. He said the party has often been labeled a “tamed opposition” due to seat-sharing politics and its parliamentary position. Following the fall of the Awami League government in the July 2024 movement, he claimed the party is now paying the political price for its previous positions.
He further noted that the Jatiya Party has not been invited to national consensus dialogues by the Election Commission or other authorities. Party activists have faced obstacles during various programs, and demands have been made to ban the party, labeling it an “ally of the Awami League.” Concerns were also raised about whether candidates would even be able to campaign effectively in such an environment.
Patwary confirmed that nomination papers will be submitted for all 300 constituencies. He added that the party is continuously monitoring the situation and will make future decisions accordingly. He called on law enforcement, administration, and the military to ensure a safe and fair election environment.
He warned that if elections are not conducted in a free, credible, and acceptable manner, the country could face a major political crisis. Patwary emphasized that national independence, sovereignty, and internal security could be at risk, and suggested that failure to hold a credible election might even trigger civil unrest in the future.
Criticizing the Election Commission’s role, Patwary stated that the impartiality and effectiveness of the current commission will determine whether future commissioners are honored or held accountable. He noted that history will not absolve the Election Commission or government of responsibility for bias.
The press conference was attended by top Jatiya Party leaders, including Presidium members Haji Saifuddin Ahmed Milan, Rezaul Islam Bhuiyan, Alamgir Sikder Loton, Emran Hossain Mia, Md. Atikur Rahman Atik, and Sherifa Quader, as well as the chairman’s advisors, vice-chairmen, joint secretary generals, and former secretary generals.
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