Jatiyo Party Chairman GM Quader has pledged to move forward with the party's scheduled protest rally on 2 November, stating that he is prepared to risk his life if necessary.
“We are ready to face any risk, and if it requires sacrificing my life, I am prepared," he said during a press briefing at the party Banani office on Friday (1 November).
He also said the party faced pressure from two fronts regarding participation in the elections.
"The government applied pressure to ensure their involvement, while threats were also issued from other quarters, including an international terrorist organisation," GM Quader added.
Following a series of violent incidents at the party’s central office on Thursday (31 October) night, where the premises were attacked and set alight, the party promptly organised the press conference.
During the attack, Sanaullah Shanu, president of the Narayanganj District, and Nazrul Islam, a central committee member, were injured.
Quader detailed the sequence of events, explaining that on Thursday evening, a group identifying themselves as students launched an attack under the guise of a public demonstration.
Jatiyo Party workers managed to repel them initially; however, shortly after, the attackers regrouped under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and set fire to parts of the premises, allegedly involving activists affiliated with the Nagorik Committee.
GM Quader condemned the incident, emphasising that the right to assemble and organise is a constitutional one.
Addressing party members, Quader urged them to step forward unafraid, saying, “Come out, wherever you are, and do not fear. We will see how many they intend to harm, and how many they are capable of harming.”
GM Quader further elaborated on the incident, describing it as "an unfortunate event."
According to him, “Certain individuals, claiming to be part of a student movement, attempted an attack. Our members stood against them. Later, fires were set under the banner of a so-called Anti-Discrimination Student Movement from the Raju Sculpture area. We have learned that these attackers are active members of a citizens’ committee.”
Asserting that the right to assembly and organisation is a constitutional right, Quader clarified that JaPa, being a registered party, is fully authorised to organise such gatherings.
“There are specific conditions, and we sought permission from the DMP commissioner, which was granted. JaPa has never engaged in acts of terrorism; we always stand for peace, refraining from activities like tender manipulation or territorial dominance,” he stated.
the JaPa chief also addressed allegations suggesting the party's alignment with the Awami League, dismissing them as baseless propaganda.
“A faction is attempting to paint us as allies of the Awami League. This has no justification, and initially, we did not give it importance. However, this propaganda has now grown widespread.”
He remarked, “These statements lack justification, yet certain factions are propagating this narrative.”
Several senior party officials were present at the press conference, including Secretary General Mujibul Haque Chunnu, Presidium Members Rezaul Islam Bhuiyan, Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary, Sherifa Quader, and Alamgir Shikdar Loton.
