Demand to Ban Jatiya Party’s Activities is ‘Dangerous for Political Culture’

The demand by certain political groups to ban the activities of the Jatiya Party has been described as undesirable, undemocratic, and dangerous for Bangladesh’s political culture, according to the party’s chairman, Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud.

He made the remarks on Monday night (15 September) during an emergency consultation meeting with senior leaders at the residence of the party’s secretary-general in Gulshan, Dhaka.

Barrister Mahmud pointed out: “The Jamaat-e-Islami, against whose ban Jatiya Party had firmly taken a stand in the past, is now calling for a ban on Jatiya Party. This is both surprising and deeply regrettable for the nation.”

Mahmud emphasised that the Jatiya Party has, since its inception, stood as a guardian of people’s rights, democratic practices, and peaceful political activity.

• The party, he said, has never been involved in criminal activities or created situations that could justify a ban.
• Instead, it has consistently worked within the democratic system for public welfare, development, and the stability of the state.

He further highlighted the party’s contributions after Bangladesh’s independence:

Warning Against Exclusion in Politics

Mahmud cautioned that strengthening Bangladesh’s democracy requires participation of all political parties.

“Calling for the political banning of any party weakens the democratic process and silences the voice of the people. Such demands are irrational and disrespectful to the nation’s history, traditions, and the people’s mandate.”

The meeting was attended by senior leaders, including:

• ABM Ruhul Amin Howlader (Secretary-General)
• Advocate Mujibul Haque Chunnu
• Kazi Firoz Rashid
• Syed Abu Hossain Babla
• Shahidur Rahman Tepa
• Shafiqul Islam Sentu
• Zahirul Islam Zahir
• Mostafa Al Mahmud
• Masroor Mowla
• Jasim Uddin Bhuiyan
• Arifur Rahman Khan
• Sardar Shahjahan
• Fakhrul Ahsan Shahjada
• Belal Hossain