HM Ershad did not do a good job for the Jatiya Party (JaPa) and its activists by taking oath as a lawmaker, observed a section of party leaders who withdrew their nomination papers before the 10th parliamentary poll following the party chief’s instruction.
They said it was awful for the JaPa activists as “the party leaders do politics without giving any clarification.” The activists just follow the orders of the party chief. But Ershad has taken the oath without taking the opinions of other activists into consideration.
The disgruntled leaders also claimed that they were ready to participate in the January 5 election, but had to withdraw their nomination papers following Ershad’s order on December 3.
They said such a decision would weaken the party’s root-level.
JaPa Presidium member Ahsan Habib Linkan said the party had turned into a contractual firm, “it is not a political party now."
“The Jatiya Party earlier had a vision and mission, which do not exist now. I will decide on what to do after getting a clarification from Ershad,” said the leader who had submitted nomination paper for Kushtia 2 constituency.
Another Presidium member Golam Habib Dulal told the Dhaka Tribune: “The government has compelled the party chief to take oath as an MP. Some beneficiaries of such decision are dominating Ershad for their personal benefits, without thinking about the party activists and the nation.”
He also said it would not bring any good for the party. “The activists expect Ershad to clear his stance on the decision as soon as possible.”
Senior leader Hossain Khan said Ershad was unwilling to take the oath, “but the government has made him bound to do so."
“Those who have formed alliance with the government for benefits cannot cling to power for a long time,” said the presidium member who withdrew his nomination paper submitted for Dhaka 9 constituency.