Sunday, 10 August, 2025
In the familiar cycle of breakups and reconciliations, two factions of the Jatiya Party have once again come together—but only partially. This development could herald a new paradigm in Bangladeshi politics, especially ahead of the upcoming national elections.
The Jatiya Party’s political journey during the Awami League era continues to be defined by a familiar cycle of breakups, reconciliations, and persistent factionalism. Once seen as a key opposition force, the party has now witnessed its sixth major split, even amid attempts at unification, reflecting deep-rooted internal divisions and struggles for leadership.
Recently, two prominent factions have come together in what was billed as a “unity council,” yet the gathering fell short of fully merging the faction led by Anisul Islam Mahmud with other splinter groups. Instead, the event effectively marked the formal emergence of a new bloc within the party — the Anisul-Raushan alliance.
Supporters of GM Quader, younger brother and political successor to the party’s founder and former military ruler Hussain Muhammad Ershad, maintain they represent the “mainstream” Jatiya Party. Quader was appointed deputy leader of the official opposition in parliament, while Raushan Ershad, the estranged wife of the late chairman Ershad, was named co-chairman after his death in 2019. Their faction holds significant parliamentary influence but has repeatedly clashed with rivals over control of the party’s direction.
Anisul Islam Mahmud, a senior leader and former minister, accused Quader of deliberately avoiding a genuine leadership contest. “On 28 June, you (Quader) promised a council,” Anisul said. “If there had been real intent, it would have been held like today’s gathering. But once you realised we intended to contest, you sidestepped it.” This accusation underscores ongoing mistrust and power struggles within the party ranks.
From the Quader faction, Jatiya Party Secretary General Shamim Haider Patwary responded firmly, warning against attempts to undermine the party’s unity from outside the “mainstream.” “History shows those who have tried to damage the Jatiya Party from outside have been wiped out. Followers of HM Ershad and GM Quader will thwart all conspiracies,” he declared.
The factionalism has severely affected the party’s political effectiveness during the Awami League era. While the Jatiya Party once played a pivotal role as the principal opposition under Ershad’s leadership, internal disputes have diluted its influence. Both major factions have maintained alliances of convenience with the ruling Awami League, with several leaders holding ministerial portfolios in Sheikh Hasina’s government. This has led to accusations of opportunism and blurred the party’s identity, undermining its credibility among voters.
Critics argue that the splits and factional rivalries within the Jatiya Party have fragmented the opposition landscape in Bangladesh, inadvertently strengthening the Awami League’s grip on power. The constant infighting has distracted from coherent policy positions and has often played out publicly, eroding public confidence.
Controversies surrounding the party have included questions over its ideological direction, leadership legitimacy, and the personal ambitions of its key figures. The rivalry between GM Quader and Raushan Ershad — themselves representing different family factions — has been especially contentious, fueling competing claims over the party’s legacy and future.
Political analysts observe that the Jatiya Party’s survival amid these challenges speaks to the enduring legacy of HM Ershad but warn that without genuine reconciliation and democratic reforms, the party risks becoming politically marginalised. The latest “unity” efforts, while symbolically significant, appear to have created yet another factional layer, the Anisul-Raushan alliance, rather than resolving deep divisions.
As Bangladesh approaches the next general election, the Jatiya Party faces the daunting task of presenting a united front to voters while navigating internal rivalries. Its role as a credible opposition force will depend largely on its ability to overcome factionalism, clarify its political platform, and rebuild public trust after years of controversy and compromise during the Awami League era.
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In the familiar cycle of breakups and reconciliations, two factions of the Jatiya Party have once again come together—but only partially. This development could herald a new paradigm in Bangladeshi politics, especially ahead of the upcoming national elections.
The Jatiya Party’s political journey during the Awami League era continues to be defined by a familiar cycle of breakups, reconciliations, and persistent factionalism. Once seen as a key opposition force, the party has now witnessed its sixth major split, even amid attempts at unification, reflecting deep-rooted internal divisions and struggles for leadership.
Recently, two prominent factions have come together in what was billed as a “unity council,” yet the gathering fell short of fully merging the faction led by Anisul Islam Mahmud with other splinter groups. Instead, the event effectively marked the formal emergence of a new bloc within the party — the Anisul-Raushan alliance.
Supporters of GM Quader, younger brother and political successor to the party’s founder and former military ruler Hussain Muhammad Ershad, maintain they represent the “mainstream” Jatiya Party. Quader was appointed deputy leader of the official opposition in parliament, while Raushan Ershad, the estranged wife of the late chairman Ershad, was named co-chairman after his death in 2019. Their faction holds significant parliamentary influence but has repeatedly clashed with rivals over control of the party’s direction.
Anisul Islam Mahmud, a senior leader and former minister, accused Quader of deliberately avoiding a genuine leadership contest. “On 28 June, you (Quader) promised a council,” Anisul said. “If there had been real intent, it would have been held like today’s gathering. But once you realised we intended to contest, you sidestepped it.” This accusation underscores ongoing mistrust and power struggles within the party ranks.
From the Quader faction, Jatiya Party Secretary General Shamim Haider Patwary responded firmly, warning against attempts to undermine the party’s unity from outside the “mainstream.” “History shows those who have tried to damage the Jatiya Party from outside have been wiped out. Followers of HM Ershad and GM Quader will thwart all conspiracies,” he declared.
The factionalism has severely affected the party’s political effectiveness during the Awami League era. While the Jatiya Party once played a pivotal role as the principal opposition under Ershad’s leadership, internal disputes have diluted its influence. Both major factions have maintained alliances of convenience with the ruling Awami League, with several leaders holding ministerial portfolios in Sheikh Hasina’s government. This has led to accusations of opportunism and blurred the party’s identity, undermining its credibility among voters.
Critics argue that the splits and factional rivalries within the Jatiya Party have fragmented the opposition landscape in Bangladesh, inadvertently strengthening the Awami League’s grip on power. The constant infighting has distracted from coherent policy positions and has often played out publicly, eroding public confidence.
Controversies surrounding the party have included questions over its ideological direction, leadership legitimacy, and the personal ambitions of its key figures. The rivalry between GM Quader and Raushan Ershad — themselves representing different family factions — has been especially contentious, fueling competing claims over the party’s legacy and future.
Political analysts observe that the Jatiya Party’s survival amid these challenges speaks to the enduring legacy of HM Ershad but warn that without genuine reconciliation and democratic reforms, the party risks becoming politically marginalised. The latest “unity” efforts, while symbolically significant, appear to have created yet another factional layer, the Anisul-Raushan alliance, rather than resolving deep divisions.
As Bangladesh approaches the next general election, the Jatiya Party faces the daunting task of presenting a united front to voters while navigating internal rivalries. Its role as a credible opposition force will depend largely on its ability to overcome factionalism, clarify its political platform, and rebuild public trust after years of controversy and compromise during the Awami League era.
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