Expelled leaders’ bid for registration, symbol under Jatiyo Party name not valid: Rezaul Islam

Jatiyo Party Praesidium Member Advocate Rezaul Islam Bhuiyan has said that a council held by expelled members demanding the party's registration and election symbol from the Election Commission (EC) is not legally valid.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Election Commissioner Anwarul Islam today (28 September), Rezaul Islam stated that the council had no approval from either the party chairman or the praesidium.

"There is no room for confusion regarding the party's registration and symbol. That council is not valid in any way. It was not approved by the chairman, nor was it approved by the praesidium," he said.

He further alleged that the activities of those demanding registration and the party symbol are unacceptable.

"We have informed the Election Commission in writing. The EC has accepted our application and said it will discuss the matter. We hope that the EC will officially confirm our position within a day or two," he added.

Earlier on Thursday at the Election Commission building, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin had commented on the ongoing disputes over the Jatiyo Party's identity.

When asked if the EC would invite the party to dialogue, he said, "Let the time come. The dialogue has not started yet. The consensus commission is still having a dialogue. We will do it a little later."

The CEC also noted that while the Jatiyo Party led by GM Quader is registered with the EC, a section led by Anisul Islam Mahmud and Ruhul Amin Howlader has written to the commission claiming to be the original party.

"Currently, there is a political debate [about the party], let's see what the situation is. I get a little confused when someone says Jatiya Party. Because there are at least half a dozen of them. There are multiple claimants to the Plough symbol as well," the CEC added.