GM Quader criticizes candidates' withdrawal announcement

Jatiya Party (JaPa) Chairman and Rangpur 3 candidate GM Quader said it was wrong for JaPa candidates, including those in Barisal, to announce their withdrawal from the election, worrying it might give the public a bad impression of the party.

"Economic challenges are affecting our party's leaders and candidates. We, as a party, lack the resources to financially assist our candidates," he told reporters in Rangpur on Monday morning.  

Besides, he acknowledged that the candidates are dealing with various other issues, such as threats and intimidation.

Expressing 100% optimism about his victory, he said: "Our campaign in Rangpur is facing no issues. There are no obstacles. I receive an exceptional response everywhere I go. Additionally, Rangpur is our stronghold, and the people here have a natural sympathy towards JaPa.

"In the latest Rangpur City Corporation election, our mayoral candidate surpassed the Awami League's candidate by over one lakh votes. Consequently, we anticipate a substantial victory in the Rangpur Sadar constituency," he said.

“On election day we want all the voters including their families to come to the polling centres to vote. However, there is a huge response among the common people in this election. The severe cold and chilly winds in Rangpur could impact the voter turnout," he said.

No favours from Awami League to JaPa

Responding to journalists, GM Quader said: “Awami League did not offer any favours to JaPa this election. Although the Awami League withdrew their Boat symbol candidates in 26 constituencies, they still have strong independent candidates in almost all those places, with the party's leadership and members actively backing them.”

He added: “Awami League voluntarily withdrew their Boat candidates in 26 constituencies. However, at the same time, they have placed strong, well-supported independent candidates in these constituencies. These candidates are not rebels; they are intentionally chosen independents.”

Given the presence of the independent Awami League candidates, GM Quader asked journalists how a seat-sharing agreement with the Awami League was possible.

“Awami League is working directly for those independent candidates, they are not working for our candidate. There was no grand alliance in this year's election, those who are saying these are spreading propaganda,” he said.

“We wanted the administration to be neutral everywhere and keep the election free from the influence of weapons, muscle power, and money. Then we would participate in the election,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Jatiya Party candidate for Gazipur-2, MM Niaz Uddin, said he will quit the electoral race on Sunday. He said that he withdrew from the election for personal reasons.

MM Niaz Uddin submitted nomination papers as a candidate of the Jatiya Party in the 12th parliamentary election for two seats (Gazipur-1 and 5) out of five parliamentary seats in Gazipur. 

He said: "I am no longer campaigning for the polls. However, I have not yet submitted my application to the returning officer regarding my withdrawal from the election.

Gazipur Jatiya Party Member Secretary and Sreepur Municipality Ward Councilor Kamruzzaman Mandal said: “JaPa will withdraw from the election in all five constituencies of Gazipur. They have not yet printed any posters or conducted any microphone-based campaigning. As the election approaches, each candidate will gradually withdraw from the race.”