RANGPUR, Sept 7 (V7N) – Former Rangpur City Mayor and Jatiya Party Co-Chairman Mostafizar Rahman Mostafa has alleged that anti-liberation forces are attempting to create obstacles for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) ahead of the next general election.
 
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with district-level party leaders in Rangpur on Saturday, Mostafa said the political balance could shift significantly if the Jatiya Party does not participate in the election. He argued that Islamist parties such as Islami Oikya Jote, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon Bangladesh (Char Monai), NCP, and Gono Odhikar Parishad are considering forming one bloc, while BNP intends to stand separately. “If they say they will not contest without proportional representation and then withdraw, BNP will be left alone. In that case, a one-sided election will not be acceptable either nationally or internationally,” he stated.
 
Calling on the BNP to take responsibility in safeguarding democratic forces, he said: “For the sake of democracy, BNP must play a role in protecting the political forces that are not involved in mob violence. Otherwise, BNP will be left isolated.” He also warned that failure to curb political violence could put the credibility of the election in question. “Currently, businesses and party offices are under attack, people are being beaten in broad daylight, and even war veterans are being handcuffed and sent to jail. Under such conditions, one must ask if a fair election is possible.”
 
Addressing candidate selection, Mostafa signaled openness to Awami League leaders with clean images joining the Jatiya Party. He explained that individuals without criminal records or histories of violence could be nominated in the upcoming 13th parliamentary election if deemed suitable. “We will field candidates in all 300 constituencies. But if we find stronger candidates with a clean image, we will consider giving them the nomination,” he said, noting that such nominations could help the party overcome its candidate crisis.
 
Mostafa further noted that in districts like Faridpur and Gopalganj, where Awami League traditionally holds strong support, clean-image figures joining Jatiya Party would also be considered for nomination.
 
He criticized attempts to undermine Jatiya Party’s political role, stressing that it remains a registered political party with full legal rights to operate. “A section is trying to impose misconceptions to paralyze Jatiya Party politics. We are resisting such efforts and will counter them with full strength,” he added.
 
The meeting was attended by Jatiya Party Presidium Member S.M. Yasir, Vice Chairman Abdur Razzak, and central leaders Azmal Hossain Lebu, Lokman Hossain, Zahidul Islam, Hasanuzzaman Nazim, among others from across eight districts of the Rangpur division.
 
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