The Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Shafiqul Alam, has reiterated that the government views the Jatiya Party’s decision to contest the upcoming national election as entirely its own choice. Speaking to the media on Friday morning, 5 December, after inaugurating an inter-college football tournament at the Magura Government Model School field, he offered a detailed response to journalists’ questions about the political landscape ahead of the polls.
Shafiqul Alam stated clearly that the administration has no objection to the Jatiya Party’s participation in the election, adding that their stance has always been consistent. “Our position regarding the Jatiya Party is very clear. If they want to take part in the election, that is entirely their decision. They have not been banned, and we are not stopping them from participating,” he said.
However, he also delivered a sharp critique of the party, describing it as “a loyal accomplice to autocracy”. He remarked that history would reveal the extent of the Jatiya Party’s support for what he called “dangerous autocratic practices” in past administrations. According to him, the party repeatedly enabled actions that later drew widespread condemnation, particularly during periods when the Awami League government faced political crises.
Expanding on this criticism, the Press Secretary argued that the Awami League had benefited from the Jatiya Party’s consistent backing. “There is hardly any questionable act carried out by the Awami League that did not have the Jatiya Party’s assistance behind it. Their cooperation—moral and political—allowed many unacceptable decisions to pass without challenge,” he asserted. He went further, claiming that even during periods of severe political violence, the Jatiya Party did not withdraw its support.
Turning to the upcoming election, he confirmed that voting will take place by 15 February. “The election will happen by 15 February—there is no force that can prevent it. This time we expect a fair, peaceful and participatory election involving all political parties,” he said. He noted that the Election Commission has already held discussions with all registered political parties to ensure transparency and cooperation. “We want peace, and we want a credible election for the country,” he added.
Addressing the issue of BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman, Shafiqul Alam stressed that the government is not hindering his return to Bangladesh. “There is no obstacle from our side. His return is entirely his personal decision and a matter for his party,” he said.
He also rejected speculation about a so-called “Minus Four Formula”, which some opposition figures claim the government supports. “Those promoting this idea are themselves descendants of autocratic political traditions,” he said. “The government has never spoken of any ‘Minus Four’ formula. Those who have been sidelined faced that situation due to involvement in heinous crimes.”
The Press Secretary reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bringing back the perpetrators of the July killings. “It is our pledge and our oath,” he declared. “The fascist government responsible for the July massacre killed countless students and civilians. The International Crimes Tribunal has already established evidence of this brutality.”
Earlier in the day, Shafiqul Alam inaugurated the inter-college football tournament in Magura. The event, organised by the National Sports Council with support from the district administration and the District Sports Office, features nine participating teams and is being held at the Magura Government High School ground.