The Jatiya Party experienced a significant defeat in the polls held on February 12. This election marked the first time since the return of parliamentary democracy that none of the party’s candidates managed to secure a seat. This outcome, viewed by some political analysts as foreboding, suggests challenging times ahead for the party.
Out of the 196 Jatiya Party candidates, only 20 retained their deposits, making it the second-largest party in terms of candidate numbers after BNP, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and Jamaat-e-Islami. None of the party’s candidates emerged as strong contenders in the election.
The party, established by HM Ershad, suffered a major setback in Rangpur, a region traditionally considered its stronghold. In the most recent election in 2024, Jatiya Party only secured 11 seats, marking its lowest tally since its inception in 1986.
Prominent figures within the party, including Chairman GM Quader and Secretary General Shamim Haider Patwary, finished third in their respective constituencies – Rangpur-3 and Gaibandha-1. Both were defeated by Jamaat-e-Islami candidates, with BNP candidates coming in second.
Despite facing challenges leading up to the election and alleging electoral interference, the party’s defeat highlights its weakening connection with the public and diminishing political influence, according to analysts.
Over the last two decades, Jatiya Party has transformed into a party centered around its leaders, resulting in a decline in support among activists and followers, as evidenced by the recent election results.
Anisul Islam Mahmud, Mujibul Haque Chunnu, Ruhul Amin Hawlader, and Kazi Firoz Rashid, heavyweight leaders within Jatiya Party, established separate parties before the election but faced obstacles in contesting due to symbol complications.
In previous parliamentary elections, Jatiya Party secured varying numbers of seats, with its highest tally of 35 seats in the 1991 election. The party has historically maintained a close relationship with the Awami League, collaborating on multiple occasions in government formation processes.
The defeat in the recent election has led senior leaders within Jatiya Party to acknowledge an existential crisis, with Mahmud Alam, the joint secretary of the party, admitting to the lack of organizational presence at the grassroots level.
