In a searing critique of the current political trajectory, Anisul Islam Mahmud, the Chairman of a prominent faction of the Jatiya Party, has claimed that the prevailing electoral climate has devolved into a state of lawlessness. Addressing a press conference at his private residence on Saturday, 3 January 2026, the veteran statesman lamented that the democratic process is being overshadowed by physical intimidation. He remarked that the situation is now so volatile that candidates feel compelled to “deploy cadres armed with sticks” simply to navigate the campaign trail.
Mr Mahmud’s address served as a stark warning to the interim authorities and the Election Commission. He emphasised that the primary requirement for a credible election is a “level playing field”—an environment where contestants can campaign without the threat of violence and where the citizenry can exercise their franchise in safety. However, he argued that this ideal remains a distant reality, as his party has been subjected to a systematic campaign of harassment.
Summary of Reported Hostilities
| Category of Incident | Specific Grievance Reported |
| Residential Arson | Deliberate fire attack targeting the Chairman’s home. |
| Supporter Abduction | Forcible removal and detention of grassroots activists. |
| Direct Threats | Demands from unidentified groups to withdraw from the race. |
| Historical Revisionism | Mischaracterisation of the party’s stance on the July uprising. |
| Organised Harassment | Use of “mobs” to obstruct political rallies and movements. |
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A significant portion of Mr Mahmud’s frustration stems from what he describes as the “weaponisation” of the July student movement’s legacy. He countered accusations that his faction was opposed to the uprising, asserting instead that the Jatiya Party was one of the earliest institutional voices to champion the protesters’ cause. He alleged that opportunistic provocateurs are now orchestrating “mob violence” against his supporters by falsely branding them as counter-revolutionaries
“We cannot be intimidated into exiting the electoral arena,” Mr Mahmud declared, standing firm against the threats aimed at forcing his withdrawal. He pointed out that while the transitional government promises transparency, the reality on the ground is defined by arson, physical assaults, and the disappearance of political workers. He warned that if the state fails to secure the environment, candidates will be left with no choice but to resort to self-defence, which would ultimately strip the election of its democratic character.
The Chairman concluded his briefing by calling for immediate intervention to dismantle the culture of “mob justice” that has permeated the suburbs. As the election date nears, the Jatiya Party’s plight underscores the immense challenges facing the nation in its attempt to move from a period of revolutionary upheaval to a stable, multiparty democracy.