The dispute among the leaders of the Jatiya Party is increasing day by day centering on various reasons including mass defeat in the just concluded parliamentary election, non-release of party’s and election funds, drop of many senior leaders from the election race by seat compromise for Sharifa Quader, and non-cooperation in the election.

Many senior leaders who participated in the 12th national polls have expressed their anger to the party’s Chairman GM Quader and Secretary General Mujibul Haque Chunnu.    

Pointing the finger at party chairman and secretary general, Shafiqul Islam Sentu, presidium member and Jatiya Party Dhaka Metropolitan North unit president in the meeting said, “Awami League and independent candidates were riches. You made a consensus in 26 constituencies. You got seats and money also. You (GM Quader) sacrificed all heavyweight leaders for your wife. Partymen understood your political stand. If all deprived and expelled leaders become united, then you can’t sustain in the party.”

Sentu also alleged that Mujibul Haque Chunnu didn’t give promised money for the election saying Sharifa Quader will take care of it.

Another presidium member Haji Saifuddin Ahmed Milon said, “I knew QM Quader a good soul. During his bad days, I had promised him that I would stand by you even if all leaders left you. Whatever I have told, I said those for the well-being of the party. You can expel me, Kazi Firoz Rashid and Babla as per your power. But, you never make another Milon, Kazi Firoz Rashid and Babla.”

In the meeting, presidium member Liakat Hossain Khoka said, “We are not holding this meeting for any dishonest purpose. We want to unite and strengthen the Jatiya Party led by our chairman. Some persons captured the chairman. These persons have no leaders and activists and want to rift in the party to make their position strong.    

Former lawmaker of Sylhet Yahya Chowdhury said, “You taught us democracy but you have no democracy. You sacrificed nine constituencies including Rifoz, Babla, Khoka, Pir Fazal, Atik, and Bhasani for your wife. You distributed our money and embezzled. You have to answer it.”  

Fazle Elahi Sohag from Noakhali said, “I have called our secretary general a hundred times. But he didn’t pick up my phone. He is a cheater. Our chairman promised to participate in the polls without compromise. But you didn’t keep your word. You just destroyed us.”    

Another contestant from Sirajganj, Fazlul Haque Nur alleged that he received a threat of expulsion from the party if he joined the meeting. He also alleged that nomination business against the party chairman and secretary general.  

Nurul Quader Sohel from Bhairab said, “We have fought in the election at our own expense but the party didn’t give even 10 Taka.”

Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani said, “My seat had been given to an outsider. Jatiya Party chairman and secretary general are surrounded by four eggs. Our party will be demolished if we can’t free them from four eggs.

Central member Shahin Ara Chowdhury Rima said GM Quader sacrificed many senior leaders only for Sharifa Quader who has no contribution to the party. 

Meanwhile, Jatiya Party leaders -- Shafiqul Islam Sentu and Yahya Chowdhury were exempted from all party positions.

@ The article was published on print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on January 15, 2024 and has been rewritten in English by Golam Rosul