Jatiya Party (JP) Co-Chairman Mostafizar Rahman Mostofa has stated that Awami League (AL) leaders with clean records could be granted party nominations for the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections if they join JP.
Speaking on Saturday (6 September) at the JP office on Central Road in Rangpur after a meeting with presidents and general secretaries of eight districts in the Rangpur division, Mostofa said, “These are AL supporters with no criminal cases or allegations of violence. If such clean-image leaders join Jatiya Party and we find them eligible, why wouldn’t we give them nominations? We certainly will. This is essential to overcome our candidate crisis.”
He added, “We plan to field candidates in all 300 constituencies. If we find strong, capable candidates who are cleaner and more qualified than current JP nominees, we will give them nominations. In districts like Faridpur, Gopalganj, and others, where Awami League enjoys overwhelming support, if clean-image leaders join JP, they will be considered for nomination.”
Addressing the role of BNP in safeguarding democracy, Mostofa said, “For the sake of democracy, BNP must play a role in protecting pro-democracy forces and those who oppose mob violence. Otherwise, BNP will be isolated.”
He alleged that anti-independence forces are attempting to undermine BNP, warning that if JP is excluded from the elections, parties like the Islamic Unity Alliance, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan (Charmonai), NCP, and Gonodhikar Parishad may align together while BNP stands alone. “If BNP refuses proportional representation (PR) in elections, these forces may leave BNP isolated. Such elections will not be recognized nationally or internationally,” he added.
Mostofa also criticized the government’s inability to control mob violence, saying, “A fair election depends on law and order. Currently, attacks on businesses, party offices, and individuals—including veterans of the Liberation War—raise serious questions about whether free and fair elections are possible.”
He expressed concern over recent attacks on Liberation War veterans, saying, “For the first time since independence, veterans are being attacked, silenced, and humiliated. This is a worrying sign. Anti-independence forces are attempting to erase the legacy of 1971. We stand with pro-independence forces and veterans.”
Mostofa condemned recent attacks on JP offices in Rangpur and across three districts, saying, “Jatiya Party is a registered political party. Its normal activities should not be obstructed. Some factions are trying to suppress our political activities, but we will resist them with full force. JP is an election-focused party, and candidate selection for the next parliamentary election is ongoing through careful scrutiny of names proposed by district leaders.”
The meeting was attended by JP Presidium member SM Yasir, Vice-Chairman Abdur Razzak, central leaders Azmal Hossain Lebu, Lokman Hossain, Jahidul Islam, Hasanuzzaman Nazim, and other leaders from across the districts.
