Jatiya Party Interested in Contesting Election in Alliance

Ahead of the national parliamentary elections, while parties like BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCP are active in the electoral field, the political ally of Awami League, Jatiya Party, remains in deep uncertainty about participating in the vote. Despite the uncertainty, the party has started candidate selection and election preparation internally. They say that if they receive the ‘green signal’ to participate, they will enter the field strongly.

The party’s aim is to contest in an alliance rather than individually. In this case, they are willing to form an alliance with either BNP or Jamaat-e-Islami.

Jatiya Party Secretary General Shamim Haider Patwary told the media, “Participating in the election in an alliance will increase Jatiya Party’s seats, and the party they ally with will also gain more seats and votes.” The party believes that the existing uncertainty over election participation may clear after the announcement of the schedule, and then discussions about the alliance will begin.

The Election Commission will hold continuous dialogues with political parties from Thursday ahead of the upcoming elections. It is not yet confirmed whether Jatiya Party will be invited. Due to internal conflicts, the party submitted information to the commission after forming a separate committee through its council. The Election Commission has stated that it will decide on dialogue or election participation once Jatiya Party resolves its internal crisis.

Jatiya Party has already started election preparations. The election schedule is expected to be announced in December. BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami have finalized nominations in several constituencies. The student-led party, Jatiya Nagorik Party, has also started candidate selection.

After being ousted, with Awami League’s political activities banned and registration suspended, Jatiya Party’s election activities are clear. Over the past year, the party’s meetings were blocked by police, and there have been attacks on party offices and clashes. Despite this, the party has begun candidate selection for 300 constituencies.

Shamim Haider Patwary said initial preparations are underway for 300 seats, and announcing candidates will not take much time. However, if the opportunity arises to participate in elections, not all seats may ultimately have candidates.

Expressing interest in alliance elections, he said, “There is no final word in politics. Many want to ally with us, and we are interested in allying with many. In an alliance, Jatiya Party’s seats will increase, and the seats of the allied party will also rise.”

Shamim Haider Patwary also stated that Jatiya Party is willing to form an alliance with BNP or Jamaat, but the final decision will depend on the political environment after the schedule announcement.

Khaborwala/TSN