After a series of drama, HM Ershad’s Jatiya Party is likely to finalise its decision on joining polls today – the last day for withdrawing nomination papers.
While a section of leaders wants to join the polls, another section, including Chairman Ershad, is determined not to join the elections under the current administration.
Ershad has reportedly sent a letter to the Election Commission, asking it not to allocate the plough – Jatiya Party’s traditional electoral symbol – to any other party.
However, a group of Jatiya Party leaders had expressed willingness to participate in the polls under the current government, party insiders said.
Presidium Members Anisul Islam Mahmud, Ziauddin Ahmed Bablu and SM Faisal Chisti have been reportedly trying to convince Ershad’s wife Rowshan Ershad for joining the polls, offering her to be the chief.
Leaders claimed that the group had government backing. They also said up until now, Rowshan had not been fully convinced with the offer.
The government, meanwhile, had offered to give 60 constituencies to Jatiya Party if it decided to contest the elections, sources said.
However, Ershad’s press and political Secretary Sunil Shuvo Roy told the Dhaka Tribune: “It is a totally politically biased information. Nothing is accurate about this.”
Party Secretary General ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader told the Dhaka Tribune: “There is no division inside Jatiya Party regarding joining polls. Our chairman’s decision is full and final.”
Presidium member Kazi Firoz Rashid said: “Without Ershad’s presence, no faction carries any value to any party and the people. Just wait one more day.”
Anisul, Bablu and Chisti reportedly held a number of meetings with Rowshan over joining polls yesterday. Bablu and Mahmud, however, declined to make any comments while Chisti did not respond to phone calls.
The Dhaka Tribune has learnt that more than a hundred of Jatiya Party candidates, who submitted nomination papers, are not willing to withdraw those while In addition, several Presidium members were in confusion over the issue, sources said.
Presidium member Mojibul Haque Chunnu said: “I am confused whether to withdraw nomination papers or not. I may decide on the issue at the last moment.”