Internal C-onflict in Jatiya Party: 16 Presidium Members, Including Three Senior Leaders, Vow to Stay and Attend Council

In a press conference held in Gulshan, Dhaka, three senior leaders of the Jatiya Party, along with 16 presidium members, declared that they will not leave the party despite their recent removal from key positions. They labeled the process of their dismissal by party chairman GM Quader as "illegal" and affirmed their intent to participate in the party’s national conference.

The press conference, held at the personal office of ABM Ruhul Amin Howlader in Gulshan on Tuesday afternoon, was attended by recently removed co-chairmen Anisul Islam Mahmud, ABM Ruhul Amin Howlader, and former secretary general Md. Mujibul Haq Chunnu, alongside other presidium members. In addition to the 16 presidium members, four advisors to the party chairman, two joint secretaries general, and 21 leaders from various levels were present.

Many party leaders and activists view this press conference, attended by a significant number of central leaders, as a critical response to the chairman’s actions. Speculation has arisen about whether this signals the beginning of a split within the Jatiya Party. However, former secretary general Mujibul Haq Chunnu emphasized, “We will not leave the Jatiya Party, nor will we allow it to break. Our contributions to the party are unparalleled, and we will attend the council.” Conversations with senior leaders, including Anisul Islam Mahmud, Ruhul Amin Howlader, and Mujibul Haq, reveal that they do not seek to fracture the party. Their primary goal is to amend Article 20/1(a) of the party constitution to ensure collective leadership. They plan to pursue legal measures to achieve this and are optimistic about reforming what they describe as an “undemocratic, unconstitutional, and arbitrary” clause. Anisul Islam Mahmud claimed that the decision by GM Quader to remove the secretary general and two co-chairmen was “illegal,” asserting that they remain in their respective positions. He stated, “The presidium meeting on June 28 lacked a quorum and was not convened per the constitution. The decisions taken in that meeting are entirely illegal and invalid. Therefore, we remain in our positions, and Mujibul Haq Chunnu is still the secretary general.” On Monday, a Jatiya Party press release announced that, based on a presidium meeting held on June 28, co-chairmen Anisul Islam Mahmud, ABM Ruhul Amin Howlader, and Md. Mujibul Haq had been removed from their posts. Newly appointed secretary general Shamim Haider Patwary told Prothom Alo, “Some individuals have taken a stance against the chairman’s decision. District and metropolitan committee leaders have accused them of breaching party discipline and demanded punitive action. The presidium meeting subsequently decided to remove them. I believe this will not lead to a split but will instead allow the party to emerge in a renewed form.” **“Everything Will Be Decided in the Council”** Anisul Islam Mahmud urged unity, saying, “Let us hold the council together and collectively decide who stays and who goes. The council is the party’s highest body.” He argued that no one could be removed after a council is announced without a show-cause notice, calling the current actions a violation of “natural justice.” Mahmud further criticized the party’s leadership, alleging that GM Quader’s appointment as acting chairman was made under dubious circumstances following the death of party founder Hussain Muhammad Ershad. He claimed, “Ershad announced me as acting chairman in a press conference. In contrast, GM Quader’s appointment was secured late at night by pressuring a critically ill Ershad to sign.” Ruhul Amin Howlader appealed to GM Quader, saying, “We have not expelled you, nor do we want to. We will not engage in politics that divides or weakens the party.” Kazi Firoz Rashid, executive chairman of the Raushan Ershad faction of the Jatiya Party, remarked, “The Jatiya Party has been shrinking and is now on the brink of collapse. You cannot run a political party alone.” Mujibul Haq Chunnu questioned, “What crime did I commit to be removed not only as secretary general but also as a primary member?” He revealed that he had personally urged GM Quader to abolish Article 20/1(a), describing it as “dictatorial,” but to no avail. The press conference was also attended by leaders such as Kazi Firoz Rashid, Syed Abu Hossain Babla, Shafiqul Islam Sentu, and others.

Sources indicate that GM Quader’s supporters will respond to this press conference on Thursday at the party’s Banani office.