The Election Commission (EC) announced the schedule of the 21st presidential polls on Thursday. However, the Jatiya Party (JaPa) – led by former president HM Ershad, has yet to hold discussions for nominating a candidate for the upcoming election.
Despite being the main opposition in Parliament, a number of senior JaPa leaders have confirmed that there is little possibility for the party to announce a presidential candidate. They pointed out that the party has only 39 seats in Parliament.
So, even if JaPa nominates a candidate, only the ruling party Awami League has the means to elect the president. Currently, there is no discussion in JaPa on whether the party will file a candidate or not, they noted.
JaPa Chairman Ershad, a deposed military dictator, served as the president of Bangladesh from 1983 to 1990.
He seized power as the head of the army during a bloodless coup against president Abdus Sattar by imposing martial law in April 24, 1982. He declared himself the president in 1983, and was elected to the post in 1986. He served until 1990, when he was forced to resign during a popular uprising led by Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina.
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Ershad could not be reached for comments for this article despite repeated attempts. JaPa Co-Chairman GM Quader also denied any knowledge about the matter.
“I have no idea about nominating a presidential candidate, but maybe the chairman knows the details. However, I do not believe he intends to nominate a candidate,” he added.
JaPa presidium member Kazi Firoz Rashid, MP, said: “I do not know the details, our leader does. Even if we nominate a candidate, it will be difficult for the person to get elected. No discussion is currently being held in the party about the matter.”
On the other hand, the names of several possible Awami League candidates have come under the spotlight in recent times. Incumbent President Md Abdul Hamid and Public Administration Minister Syed Ashraful Islam could be among the possible candidates from the ruling party.
Voting for the presidential election will be held on February 18.
This article was first published on banglatribune.com
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