Breakaway Jatiya Party faction seeks EC recognition amid deepening rift

The group, which describes itself as the party’s “mainstream”, submit the names of four newly elected leaders the day after its Aug 9 council

The Jatiya Party faction led by Anisul Islam Mahmud and Ruhul Amin Howlader has applied to the Election Commission (EC) for formal recognition after holding a national council without the party’s Chairman GM Quader amid an escalating leadership row.

The group, which describes itself as the party’s “mainstream”, submitted the names of four newly elected leaders, including Senior Co-Chairman Advocate Kazi Firoz Rashid and Executive Chairman Mujibul Haque Chunnu, the day after its Aug 9 council in Dhaka.

“We have informed the EC about the council in accordance with procedure. We held the council of the No. 12 registered party [Jatiya Party, ‘plough’ symbol],” said Anisul.

“We have submitted all documents to the EC. Let’s see. We don’t want to comment in advance.”

The letter to the EC noted that around 5,000 councillors from across the country participated in the council in Dhaka's Gulshan, and four leaders were elected to top posts in the central executive committee through voice vote. It added that updated information would be provided to the EC soon.

However, as party rules grant the chairman sweeping powers, there are doubts over whether the EC will accept the application. Officials noted that the commission currently recognises Quader’s Jatiya Party as the registered entity with rights to the "plough" symbol, but said any application would be presented for discussion.

Quader and Secretary General Shameem Haider Patwary could not be reached for comment.

At a meeting at the party's Kakrail headquarters, Shameem said: “Those who went outside the mainstream and tried to harm the Jatiya Party have already been wiped out. The followers of Palli Bandhu HM Ershad and GM Quader will foil all conspiracies against the Jatiya Party. Under GM Quader’s leadership, grassroots leaders and activists are united.”

The split follows a July decision by Quader to remove Anisul, Howlader, Chunnu and seven other senior leaders from their posts. The ousted group later obtained a court injunction temporarily restricting Quader’s organisational activities, paving the way for the rebel council.