Staff Reporter :
The Jatiya Party (JaPa) has postponed its scheduled protest rally in front of its central office in Kakrail on Saturday following a ban on gatherings announced by the Dhaka Metropolitan police in the area.
The party announced the decision in a statement, signed by Press Secretary Khandaker Delwar Jalal, issued on Friday night.
Earlier at an emergency press conference called at the Jatiya Party headquarters in Banani on Friday, Jatiya Party (JaPa) Chairman GM Quader claimed that his party was “blackmailed” into joining elections under the Awami League’s tenure, saying that their involvement was far from voluntary. GM Quader explained that his party did not participate in elections spontaneously; it was through force.
However, this announcement has sparked a wave of reactions, as a student-led group, Fasibad Birodhi Chhatra Sramik Janata, has launched its own counter-programme to “resist” JP rallies nationwide.
In response to JP’s planned gathering, student leader Bin Yamin Molla, president of the Dhaka University-based Gono Odhikar Parishad, announced that protests would take place simultaneously outside JP offices across the country.
Speaking at a press conference at the Dhaka University Student-Teacher Centre, Molla accused JP of aligning too closely with the ruling Awami League. He also called for the government to take action against JP, labeling it as an “ally” that he believes hinders the people’s interests.
Tensions between the groups come just days after a turbulent incident on Thursday evening when JP’s central office was reportedly vandalised and set on fire by a crowd marching under the banner of “Anti-Fascist Students, Workers, and Masses.”
The JP condemned the incident, with Chairman GM Quader urging his supporters to remain steadfast. “Do not fear; stand your ground. We are ready to make sacrifices if necessary,” he told party members during a press conference on Friday.
Despite these fiery words, today’s events are expected to remain peaceful. Quader has reiterated that the rally will focus on advocating for people’s rights and calling out what he sees as injustices impacting citizens.
He highlighted that JP’s intention is to be a voice of opposition for all, saying, “Our cause is for the people, not political alliances.”
GM Quader also voiced disappointment with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’s stance, noting, “Our Chief Adviser, a respected national figure and guardian to us all, has remained silent despite facing allegations from those closest to him. This silence is truly unfortunate for us.”
