Jatiya Party Chairman Golam Mohammad Quader has sharply criticized the government's alleged electoral maneuverings, accusing it of pushing for a one-sided election reminiscent of previous undemocratic exercises under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Quader warned that any attempt to stage such an election would be politically untenable-both domestically and internationally.
Addressing a high-level party meeting, he said, "An election that systematically excludes political forces representing nearly 50 percent of the electorate cannot be considered free, fair, or participatory."
He emphasized that the lack of inclusive participation would drive up voter apathy, resulting in low turnout and manipulated outcomes. "In such elections, the votes of absent citizens are often exploited through ballot fraud orchestrated by moneyed interests, muscle power, and partisan segments within the administration," he said.
Any election excluding 50% of the electorates won't be fair, participatory: Quader
"The government cannot earn legitimacy through such tactics. The people will reject it, and so will the international community," Quader asserted.
He further cautioned that without an inclusive and credible election, any new government would lack a legitimate mandate, deepening the country's political instability. "The absence of a trusted electoral outcome," he noted, "will intensify the ongoing economic crisis, further deteriorate law and order, and push Bangladesh toward a potentially catastrophic political future."
The meeting, chaired by Jatiya Party Secretary General Md Mujibul Haque Chunnu, was attended by senior party figures including Presidium Members Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary, Alamgir Sikder Lotan, Liaquat Hossain Khoka, Zahurul Islam Zahir, Monirul Islam Milon, Jasimuddin Bhuiyan, and Arifur Rahman Khan.
Also present were Chairman's Advisor Khalilur Rahman Khalil, Engineer Mainul Rabbi Chowdhury Rumman, Vice Chairman Golam Mohammad Raju, Press Secretary to the Chairman Khandaker Delwar Jalali, Publicity Secretary Masudur Rahman Masum, Joint Office Secretary Samaresh Mandal Manik, and senior district leaders including Munshiganj District Convener Bir Muktijoddha Md Jamal Hossain and Member Secretary AFM Arifuzzaman Didar.
