Special Correspondent :
The country’s political landscape witnessed a fresh turmoil as internal rifts developed in the Jatiya Party (JaPa) following the 12th parliamentary elections held on January 7.
The rift took a dramatic turn as Raushan Ershad, Chief Patron of the party, dismissed party Chairman GM Quader and General Secretary Mujibul Haque Chunnu from their respective positions.
In a surprising move, Raushan Ershad proclaimed herself the new chairperson of the Jatiya Party, a decision met with swift opposition from Secretary General Mujibul Haque Chunnu.
Hours after Raushan Ershad’s announcement, Chunnu refuted her claims, stating that she lacks the authority to make such decisions under the party’s constitution.
“Under Article 20-1 of the party’s constitution, I have removed GM Quader and Mujibul Haque Chunnu,” asserted Raushan Ershad during a discussion session at her residence in Gulshan on Sunday.
She further announced JaPa Presidium Member Kazi Mamunur Rashid the new secretary general, who will manage organizational activities until the next council meeting.
Explaining her abrupt decision, Raushan stated, “I cannot allow the party to suffer. JaPa is going through a grievous period, and GM Quader and Mujibul Haque have caused significant damage to the party.”
The announcement drew a sharp response from Chunnu, who called an urgent press conference at the party chairman’s office, dismissing Raushan’s orders as baseless and unauthorized.
Referring to Raushan’s claim of grassroots support for her decisions, Chunnu asserted, “Any person can say anything outside of the constitution as they wish. But they have no basis.”
He emphasised the party’s constitution, asserting his position as the secretary general.
Chunnu highlighted that this is not the first time Raushan has expelled GM Quader, citing it as the third instance, with previous orders being withdrawn later.
The internal strife within JaPa has been escalating, with leaders of the Dhaka metropolitan unit resigning on January 24, expressing grievances against GM Quader and Chunnu.
The party leaders, numbering about at least 671, announced their mass resignation at Jatiya Press Club during a press conference, with plans for an additional 10,000 leaders from various units to follow suit gradually.
JaPa Vice Chairman Md Jahangir Alam Pathan, expelled presidium member Md Shafiqul Islam Sentu, Sunil Shuvo Royand leaders from different units of Dhaka metropolitan were present at the press conference.
The unfolding events within JaPa add a layer of uncertainty to the political landscape, raising questions about the party’s future direction and unity.
The party established by former military dictator HM Ershad split for four times.Earlier, Jatiya Party leaders broke away from the party for four times, leading to the formation of factions — led by Naziur Rahman Manju, Anwar Hossain Manju, Kazi Zafar and MA Matin.
