Interim government head ‘doesn't want’ national elections to be held, says GM Quader

He says individuals are allegedly being arbitrarily detained, often without trial or access to bail

Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader has said the head of the interim government “does not want” the general election to take place.

Speaking at a party rally on Saturday afternoon, he criticised several government actions related to the administration, law-enforcing agencies, and the judiciary, saying he "does not see any environment" for a national vote.

He said, "Law and order in the country have completely broken down, and a land of violence, fighting, and bloodshed has been created. Is this government truly capable of holding an election? I don't think so."

On Aug 5, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus announced that the 13th parliamentary election would be held before Ramadan next February.

While the BNP welcomed this announcement, the National Citizen Party (NCP) has demanded a Constituent Assembly election to write a new Constitution.

Jamaat-e-Islami has said they view the election “positively”, but they also claim there is no level playing field for all parties.

Some have also expressed concern about the law and order.

Hinting at this situation, Quader said: "Police, administration, and judiciary are responsible for elections. The government has demoralised them in numerous ways.

“They have unjustly dismissed thousands of security personnel through false cases."

He continued, "Many forms of torture are being inflicted upon them. Many have gone into hiding, and the vacant positions are being filled with party loyalists.

“A demoralised force has been created. An election can never be held properly with this force."

He was speaking as the president of the rally held outside the party office in Kakrail, demanding the withdrawal of cases against the Jatiya Party chairman and its activists, alongside the release of those detained.

Alleging a lack of justice and oppression, he said: "People are being picked up randomly, detained without trial, and denied bail. People are being subjected to multiple forms of torture, oppression, and mob attacks."

Claiming that the Jatiya Party stands as the voice of people who are fed up with the government's actions, he said: "This is why the Jatiya Party is being oppressed. A section of the government is filing cases for this reason."

The Awami League government was toppled by a student-led mass uprising on Aug 5 of last year. On that day, ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina left the country for India.

The Jatiya Party, which served as the opposition during the Awami League's three consecutive terms in power, has been in trouble since the anti-government protests.