Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader said election excluding the Awami League (AL) and the Jatiya Party (JP) cannot be considered fair and neutral.
Speaking to journalists yesterday after an iftar gathering and discussion meeting organised by the Rangpur Metropolitan and District Jatiya Party at the District Council Community Center auditorium, he said, “If you exclude AL and JP, you are essentially conducting an election with only half the nation. This cannot be called free, fair, or neutral.”
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel. He criticised the tendency of those in power to manipulate elections, saying that the people of Bangladesh will not accept a rigged election. “Whoever comes to power is reluctant to leave and attempts to manipulate elections. The people will not tolerate an election where half the population is left out. If they attempt to divide power among themselves in such a way, it will lead to national destruction,” he warned.
Quader alleged that efforts are being made to politically isolate JP by labelling it as a mere associate of AL.
“There is an attempt to create frustration among our leaders and activists. I urge them to remain active in public. These conspiracies must be countered, even at the cost of our lives,” he said.
“Wherever we face obstacles, we will resist,” he declared.
He further said that the obsession with power has affected many politicians like a supernatural force.
“Some are under the spell of power, much like being possessed by spirits. This obsession has made them irrational. They are adopting various policies to prolong their rule and now trying to eliminate JP from politics by labeling it as an associate of AL.”
Referring to past elections, he recalled that JP had boycotted the 2014 elections held under AL, leading to the withdrawal of 270 candidates, yet this is rarely discussed. He criticised the consistent labeling of former president HM Ershad as a dictator, calling it a political trend.
“Since independence, every head of government has exercised authoritarianism,” he remarked.
Quader also condemned the obstruction of party activities and attacks on party offices after the August 5 changeover.
“We must ensure that the people do not forget us,” he urged.
Expressing concern over interference with the military, he said, “When the police become ineffective, people rely on the military. They believe that if no one else ensures justice, the army will. Now, even they are being disturbed. This is not in the public interest.”