'Plough' to remain with GM Quader as per law, JaPa Secy Gen Shamim Haider claims
JaPa has no objection to the election timeline proposed by the CA, he says
In the ongoing dispute within the Jatiyo Party over its leadership and party symbol, the law supports Chairman GM Quader, remarked the party's Secretary General Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary.
"According to the charter [of the Jatiyo Party], only GM Quader has the power to appoint the party chairman and acting chairman," Shamim said after leading a JaPa delegation in a meeting held today (14 August) with the Election Commission, where the party presented several concerns.
Shamim's remarks come amid the request by the Jatiyo Paty faction, led by Anisul Islam Mahmud and ABM Ruhul Amin Howladers, to the EC seeking approval for their newly formed committee and to secure the party's "plough" symbol.
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In a recent council, the faction elected Anisul Islam Mahmud as chairman and ABM Ruhul Amin Howlader as general secretary.
However, JaPa Secretary General Shamim Haider further said, "Although a civil court has temporarily barred GM Quader from performing his duties as chairman, his expulsion order is still in effect as per the party's constitution, and the process of appointing an acting chairman is entirely illegal."
Shamim said they strongly believe that, legally, the "plough" symbol will remain with GM Quader.
He said according to the Constitution, the Election Commission is an independent and powerful institution and the guardian of all registered political parties. "Therefore, it must conduct fair elections while upholding its pledge of neutrality."
In response to a question, the JaPa leader said they have no objection to the tentative election date proposed by the Chief Adviser. He said that although they do not consider the government to be entirely neutral, they have confidence in the impartiality of the EC.
Shamim also stated that the EC must engage with all political parties to ensure a level playing field.
Responding to a query about the demand by the Islami Andolan Bangladesh and several other political parties to disqualify the Jatiyo Party from the election, Shamim said any conditions required to disqualify the party under the election law have not been met.
Participation of all parties is essential in the election, and disqualifying any party would be harmful to democracy and inclusive politics, added the JaPa leader.
