After long talks for days with the ruling Awami League, the Jatiyo Party eventually came to an arrangement. Throughout, when asked by journalists, Jatiyo Party Secretary General Mujibul Haque Chunnu kept emphasizing that his party, like all others, had certain “koushol” (strategies) that are best kept secret. Their strategy, however, eventually proved to be the same-old: Coming to an understanding for the ruling Awami League to withdraw candidates from 26 seats
But Jatiyo Party’s win in only 11 of those seats in the 12th National Elections has certainly pointed fingers at Chairman GM Quader, who -- under the party constitution -- is the ultimate decision maker.
Participation and Delhi’s support
Although Rowshan Ershad was initially vehemently in favour of the polls, Quader had drawn the attention of the masses, coming off as adamant in not being the perceived "B-team" of the ruling party. But if he did not participate in the elections, he feared that the ruling party would ask Rowshan's faction to act. Rowshan would also welcome a good number of nomination aspirants, from amongst the men who have so far devotedly stuck to Quader.
On the other hand, Quader's words in the airport upon arriving from an invitation in Delhi, “I can't say who I talked to or what I discussed,” portrayed that the neighbours are prepared to lend him their shoulders. The Jatiyo Party has been India's best choice for elections as an acceptable opposition in the absence of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). So, Quader was hoping for a repetition of 2014 and 2018, whereby he would have his position (in the parliament and the party) intact, alongside all the benefits that those entail.
Seat-sharing and activist frustration
Parties enjoy the influence that comes from their parliamentary seats. Having been out of state power for more than three decades, the Jatiyo Party is in dire need of money, and donations from businessmen would only flow in if seats are secured. Hence, Quader wished to establish the party as one that believes in elections and is ready to fight.
During my brief tenure in the party, I have noticed a sharp difference of perspectives between the high command and the activists -- the latter has throughout been unhappy being labeled as the ruling party's B-team (although it may not necessarily portray any soft corner for BNP). Therefore, the news of sharing 26 seats was not only demotivating for the activists but also a downer for the other Jatiyo Party nominated candidates. Needless to say, it is only expected that any activist would be uninspired, given that even the party Secretary General used a poster that said: “Nominated by Jatiyo Party, supported by Awami League.”
Questioning Quader
Even if it is understandable why Quader had decided to participate in the elections, questions are being thrown at him by the masses. Why does he prioritize India's support so much? Not like that support ensured the 15 other seats where Awami League's candidates had not participated. Having placed candidates in 278 seats, why did he choose to go for seat-sharing? If so, then why not a better bargain than just 26? Did he not portray himself as selfish, having paid no heed to the party’s overall best interest? Had he not feared of being subjected to nepotism since his wife and two nephews were within the favored 26 seats, whereas many old tested leaders were not accommodated?
The outcome
Sharifa Quader lost her deposit in Dhaka, while nephews lost to independent candidates as well in Nilphamari and Rangpur. The Jatiyo Party has now lost most of its loyal leaders, activists, and supporters, who surrounded the party office demanding the resignation of Quader and Chunnu from their respective party posts. Candidates, other than the designated 26, well showed their frustrations and complained on live television about not receiving any support (financial or otherwise) from the central party office. Some clearly stated that their calls were not being entertained by the Chairman and Secretary General, in times of need and distress.
There is no reason anymore to think that the Jatiyo Party would ever be able to gather a degree of collective effervescence. There is no reason to believe anymore that young and educated political enthusiasts would ever be interested in working for a party that is unwilling to listen to its activists, well-wishers, and also commoners. The party that used to be known as the homegrown opposition, is perhaps not even going to be the opposition in the parliament this time.
It is noteworthy that, Jatiyo Party founder HM Ershad was implicated in the murder case of General Manzur, either through evidence or under duress. But what might have been Quader's reason to come down to a place where the party would have to suffer such a huge blow?
Now what?
Even if Quader would be the only amongst the 11 to do so, it would greatly mend people’s current perception of him. It would get the majority of leaders and activists united again, who would finally feel untagged of being homegrown. They would no longer feel that their chairman abandoned them and would be wary of those who would still be in the parliament -- in fact, they would take a break from working for them.
As a seasoned politician who is known for his honesty and transparency, it was expected of Quader to boycott the parliament and speak in line with the recent US and UK observations on the irregularities in the elections, if he actually believed so. Such a stance would not only restore his image but also release him from being perceived as subservient to neighbouring India.
Now that Quader has taken the oath, resigning from the parliament is the only way to save the Jatiyo Party. Otherwise, given the grievances of the activists and the deprived leaders, the emergence of a new faction of the party is inevitable. Is a "trinomool (grassroots) Jatiyo Party" in the making?
Advocate Saquib Rahman is Editor, Progress Magazine. He teaches law at North South University and is the former International Affairs Secretary, Jatiyo Party.