The Jatiya Party, feeling let down, seeks to back the interim government.

Jatiya Party Excluded from Chief Adviser’s Dialogues

Leaders of the Jatiya Party (JaPa) have expressed disappointment at being excluded from Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus's regular discussions with political parties, despite their interest in supporting the interim government and its proposed reforms. On August 5, amidst a mass uprising and Sheikh Hasina's departure to India, three senior JaPa leaders met with the Army Chief and other political leaders at Army Headquarters. Later that day, JaPa leaders also met with President Mohammad Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban, agreeing to help form an interim government alongside other political parties.

Initial Participation and Subsequent Exclusion

Though Dr. Yunus initially included JaPa in discussions after taking office as Chief Adviser, the party has since been excluded from ongoing talks on reforms. Invitations were sent to most major political parties, but JaPa was notably left out. Government sources suggested that the party's exclusion stemmed from objections raised by student leaders involved in the July-August mass uprising. JaPa leaders, having anticipated an invitation, were left disappointed and emphasized that they are not allied with the Awami League, pointing out their support for the anti-discrimination student movement.

Meetings with Other Political Entities

On Saturday, Dr. Yunus held discussions with several political parties, including Gono Forum, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Jatiyatabadi Samomona Jote, Jatiya Mukti Council, the Labour Party, and the Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP). These meetings focused on reforms, elections, and current political issues, further sidelining the Jatiya Party.

Statement from Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader

In an interview with the Dhaka Tribune, Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader reiterated the party's long-standing opposition to discrimination, emphasizing JaPa’s active participation in the quota reform movement. He expressed regret over the party being mislabeled as an ally of the Awami League and suggested that certain groups have spread this misconception. Quader clarified that JaPa’s involvement in the recent elections was a result of necessity, not alignment with the ruling party. He reaffirmed that the party remains open to discussions and is ready to explain its role with facts and evidence.

Jatiya Party's Willingness to Contribute to Interim Government

Quader further stated that if the interim government seeks JaPa’s input, the party is always ready to engage in discussions. He highlighted that the Jatiya Party is one of the largest political parties in the country and has a history of enacting significant reforms in Bangladesh.

Interim Government’s Stance on Jatiya Party

Government sources revealed that JaPa’s long-standing association with the Awami League, including holding cabinet positions during the latter's 15 years in power, has led to its characterization as a “domestic ally,” despite being the official opposition in parliament. Mahfuz Alam, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, explained that JaPa’s participation in the 2018 election lent legitimacy to it, contributing to their exclusion from current discussions. However, he noted that future decisions would be made after further evaluation with other political parties.

Jatiya Party's Electoral History and Changing Alliances

Founded by former President Hussain Muhammad Ershad, JaPa has participated in every national election since its inception. The party initially supported the Awami League in the 1996 election, later withdrawing support and allying with the BNP before rejoining the Awami League in 2006. In subsequent elections, JaPa has shifted its alliances, at times working with the Awami League and at others, criticizing it. Under GM Quader’s leadership, JaPa has taken a more critical stance against the Awami League, while remaining involved in national elections.

Demonstrations and Upcoming Press Conference

After being excluded from the government’s discussions, JaPa leaders and activists held demonstrations in Rangpur on Saturday. Party leaders expressed frustration over their exclusion, feeling that they have been unfairly marginalized despite their support for the anti-discriminatory movement. Today, JaPa Chairman GM Quader is set to hold a press conference at the party's Banani office, where he will clarify JaPa's position in light of the recent developments.