AL worries over elections amid JP’s boycott threat

As the 12th parliamentary elections draw closer, concerns are growing within the ruling Awami League (AL) regarding the legitimacy of the polls, particularly if the Jatiya Party (JaPa) decides to boycott at the eleventh hour. This apprehension arises as the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has already boycotted the upcoming elections, labeling them as one-sided.

Adding to the AL's discomfort, the Jatiya Party, a significant political player currently engaged in the electoral race, has already issued a veiled threat to boycott the polls. The uncertainty surrounding the JaPa's stay in the January 7 election race has left the ruling party in a state of concern, further complicating an already delicate political landscape.

GM Quader, the Chairman of Jatiya Party and a candidate from Rangpur-3 (Sadar) constituency, spoke to the reporters on Monday during an election campaign at the Rangpur Sadar upazila court premises.

Quader acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the situation, stating, “It is not possible to say anything right now on whether the Jatiya Party will remain in the fray of the forthcoming 12th parliamentary election until the last moment.”

When questioned about candidates leaving the election race, Quader noted that some may withdraw formally, while others might quietly exit due to reasons such as threats or financial constraints.

Responding to inquiries about the Jatiya Party's commitment to stay in the election, Quader emphasised the uncertainty, saying, "We can't say this right now until the election comes. Time will say this. Let’s wait until that time."

In light of these developments, insiders from the ruling party have expressed concerns, suggesting that if the Jatiya Party withdraws from the election race, the January 7 election could become controversial. This could pose challenges for the AL in forming the government and justifying the election's participatory nature on the global stage.

Addressing the issue, AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader stated, "We are aware that some Jatiya Party candidates have withdrawn their candidatures from the election race. They have the right to make such decisions. However, we are in constant communication with the Jatiya Party leadership. We have already conducted a series of meetings with Jatiya Party."

"Therefore, I believe that Jatiya Party will not ultimately boycott the polls," he added.

Meanwhile, In the Gazipur-4 (Kapasia) constituency, Shamsuddin Khan, the candidate of the Jatiya Party (JaPa), has announced his withdrawal from the January 7 election. He made this declaration during a press conference at Kapasia Press Club on Tuesday afternoon.

During the press conference, Shamsuddin Khan expressed, "The current political situation in the country is in disarray. I am facing various pressures, and I lack the physical or mental strength to endure them. Additionally, there are threats.

Considering all these factors, I have decided to withdraw from the election race since there is no opportunity for a fair competition in the upcoming elections.

Local sources indicate that Shamsuddin Khan has been actively engaged in Jatiya Party politics for an extended period. He serves as the chairman of the Jatiya Party in the Kapasia Upazila. He has been a candidate representing the Langol (plough) symbol in multiple elections. In the 12th National Parliament election, he campaigned extensively. Posters featuring his candidacy were printed and displayed in various locations.

Previously, candidates representing the symbol in Gazipur-1 (Kaliakair and City Part) and Gazipur-5 (Kaliganj and Sadar Part) constituencies, along with M.M. Niyaz Uddin, the chairman of the Jatiya Party for the metropolitan area, also withdrew their candidatures from the election.

Last Saturday, M.M. Niyaz Uddin explained, "Due to the one-sided nature of the election, the overall political situation, and personal reasons, I have withdrawn my candidature. There has been no discussion even with central leaders about my decision to withdraw. Essentially, I cannot continue any longer, which is why I have stepped back from the election race."

When reached out to JP chairman GM Quader regarding the matter, he confirmed, "Yes, it is true that some of our party-nominated candidates have already withdrawn their candidatures from the race. However, Jatiya Party entered the 12th parliamentary elections with the intention to stay in the polls until the election is concluded."

He further stated, "Nevertheless, if the situation necessitates boycotting the polls, we will inform the media after conducting a meeting within our party forum."