Frustration mounts in JaPa after election debacle

Frustration in the Jatiya Party has increased as the party faced a debacle in the 12th national election held on 7 January.

Meanwhile, the JaPa top leadership is worried due to uncertainty over taking the charge of opposition in the parliament.

Under such a circumstance, a section of JaPa leaders and activists have demonstrated in front of the party office in Banani bringing about allegations of non-cooperation against the top leadership in the election.

Aggrieved leaders called a meeting at the auditorium of Diploma Engineers Institution in the capital today, Sunday.

Sources said many of those who were defeated, or boycotted the election, or withdrew their nomination papers, will attend the meeting.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, one of the organisers of the meeting, JaPa presidium member Shafiqul Islam said, "There is a frustration among 250 JaPa candidates. They are angry as to why the party chairman and the secretary general didn't enquire about them. They will place their allegations in the meeting. Later, we will talk to the chairman." 

Discontent increases as four to five JaPa leaders near Dhaka, who play a significant role in gathering in Dhaka, were not included in the negotiated seats.  However, only 11 out of 26 candidates won in the election.
The JaPa top leadership was in a dramatic position over joining the 12th parliamentary election from the beginning. The party finally joined the election after a negotiation with Awami League over 26 constituencies.

Discontent increases as four to five JaPa leaders near Dhaka, who play a significant role in gathering in Dhaka, were not included in the negotiated seats.  However, only 11 out of 26 candidates won in the election.

90 per cent of JaPa candidates lost security money in the election. Grievances have increased after the debacle in the election.

The top leadership thinks a section of senior leaders has instigated the matter.