Mujibul Haque Chunnu legitimate Secretary General of JaPa: Barrister Anisul

Jatiya Party leaders, including Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud, Mujibul Haque Chunnu, held a press conference on Tuesday asserting their continued roles in the party despite recent dismissals. 

On July 7, GM Quader, the JaPa Chairman, expelled Anisul, Chunnu, and three other top leaders from all party posts, including appointing Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary as Secretary General, which Anisul declared "completely illegal."

Anisul challenged the legitimacy of the presidium meeting cited by Quader, stating it lacked a quorum and violated Article 20/3(b) of the JaPa constitution. 

This article mandates that the Secretary General, after consulting the chairman, convenes presidium meetings and sets the agenda. 

Anisul argued that Quader lacks the authority to call such meetings or alter party posts after a conference is announced. 

He denied accusations of acting against the party’s constitution, emphasising that their calls for repealing Article 20(a), ensuring transparency, and fostering unity were not unconstitutional.

Anisul further accused Quader of autocratic behaviour, alleging he forcibly assumed the co-chairmanship from former JaPa chairman HM Ershad during Ershad’s illness. 

Kazi Firoz Rashid, also present, warned that the Jatiya Party faces destruction due to its shrinking influence but could thrive with unity. 

He criticised Quader for systematically expelling leaders, stressing the need for a united Jatiya Party.

The press conference was attended by Mujibul Haque Chunnu, Kazi Firoz Rashid, Syed Abu Hossain Babla, Saidur Rahman Tepa, Shafiqul Islam Sentu, A.T.U. Taj Rahman, Solaiman Alam Seth, Nasrin Jahan Ratna, Nazma Akhter, Zahirul Islam Zahir, Mostafa Al Mahmud, Masrur Maula, Jasim Uddin Bhuiyan, and Md. Arifur Rahman Khan.