July Oikya demands cancellation of Jatiya Party, 14-party candidates

A platform named July Oikya has submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission (EC) demanding the cancellation of the nominations of candidates from the Jatiya Party (JP), the Awami League-led 14-party alliance, and the National Democratic Front (NDF) ahead of the 13th National Parliament elections.

The memorandum was submitted yesterday (13 January) at around noon at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, addressed to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) AMM Nasir Uddin.

KM Ali Newaz, additional secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat, received the memorandum on behalf of the commission.

In the memorandum, July Oikya alleged that the G M Quader-led Jatiya Party, which has fielded candidates in 244 constituencies for the upcoming election, had collaborated in establishing what it described as "fascist rule" under the Awami League government.

The organisation further claimed that over the past 16 years, the Jatiya Party and other allies of the Awami League were complicit in enforced disappearances, killings and mass atrocities in Bangladesh. It also accused the 14-party alliance of openly supporting such actions and engaging in what it termed "anti-Bangladesh activities under Indian prescriptions."

The memorandum also expressed concern over the neutrality of the upcoming election, stating that it would not be possible to ensure a free and fair poll under the current administration. According to July Oikya, individuals loyal to authoritarian rule remain embedded within the administration, including those allegedly involved in the 2018 night-time vote and the 2024 "dummy election", some of whom are now responsible for overseeing the 2026 election.

Earlier in the day, leaders and activists of July Oikya attempted to march towards the Election Commission building as part of their protest programme. However, police blocked the procession near the Islamic Foundation in Agargaon. Later, a representative delegation was allowed to enter the EC premises to submit the memorandum, while other demonstrators remained outside.

During the protest, participants chanted slogans demanding the cancellation of the Jatiya Party's nominations and carried placards highlighting their demands.

The delegation that submitted the memorandum included July Oikya organisers Plabon Tarek, Mosaddeq Ali Ibne Muhammad, Israfil Forazi, Munshi Burhan Mahmud, and Waliullah.