Jatiyo Party refutes ‘fascist accomplice’ allegation, cites participation of other parties in 2018 polls

The Jatiyo Party has strongly denied accusations of being an “accomplice to fascists,” stating that if participating in an election is deemed a crime, then the registrations of 31 other parties, including the BNP and the Islami Andolan Bangladesh, should also be cancelled for their involvement in the 2018 general election.

The party affirmed its willingness to participate in the upcoming election, provided a level playing field is ensured.

These remarks were made by Jatiyo Party Additional Secretary General and Presidium Member Rezaul Islam Bhuiyan to journalists after submitting the party’s income and expenditure statement at the Nirbachan Bhaban in Dhaka’s Agargaon yesterday.

Speaking to journalists, Bhuiyan emphasised that the Jatiyo Party obtained its registration by adhering to all conditions stipulated in the Representation of the People Order (RPO). He asserted that a party’s registration can only be revoked if it violates RPO conditions and laws, which “Jatiyo Party did not do.”

Previously, Gono Odhikar Parishad had demanded the prohibition of political activities and suspension of registration for Jatiyo Party and the 14-party alliance, labelling them as “accomplices of fascism.” In response to a question regarding this, Bhuiyan said the Jatiyo Party participated in the last three elections as a registered party following the Election Commission’s announcement of the election schedule.

When asked about Jatiyo Party’s participation in the next election, the party leader said that the party would participate if a level-playing field is established. However, he claimed that a level-playing field has not yet been ensured, alleging that the government is patronising a particular party.

Jatiyo Party’s income increases

Earlier, a four-member delegation submitted Jatiyo Party’s calendar year income and expenditure statement to Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed’s office. According to last year’s financial statement, Jatiyo Party’s total income was over Tk2.64 crore, while its expenditure amounted to nearly Tk1.80 crore.

As per the RPO, registered political parties are required to submit their income and expenditure statements for the previous calendar year to the EC by 31 July each year.

In the election year 2023, Jatiyo Party’s income was over Tk2.22 crore, with expenditures totalling Tk1.13 crore.