Punish wrongdoers, but not ban political parties: JP leader Mustafa

Jatiya Party co-chairman and former Rangpur City Corporation mayor Mostafizar Rahman Mustafa has urged the government not to ban political parties but to ensure that those involved in wrongdoings are punished.

He made this statement during a press conference at the Jatiya Party office on Central Road in Rangpur today ahead of a meeting of divisional representatives.

“The Jatiya Party is not in favor of banning any political party. Be it the Jatiya Party, the Awami League or the BNP, those involved in crimes must be brought to book. However, innocent people should not be excluded from politics. Banning parties hinders civic elections,” Mustafa said.

Addressing concerns about participatory elections, he said: “Without the Jatiya Party (JP), elections cannot be inclusive. The Jatiya Party is a major political entity and its exclusion would undermine the credibility of the electoral process.”

Responding to questions about possible bans on political parties, he said: “There have been talks about banning the Awami League but not the Jatiya Party yet. If the problem occurs, it will then be addressed. Political parties can undergo reforms and return to the party.” Not all Awami League members are bad; There are good politicians among them.” When Mustafa spoke about the role of the interim government, she criticized the fact that it had not presented an election plan even after 100 days in office.

“The main task of an interim government is to ensure a participatory election, which the people of this country have been waiting for for 17 years. But contradictory statements from the government have created confusion among citizens,” he said.

Mustafa expressed concerns about law enforcement inactivity.

“The police are currently ineffective. Without the active participation of the police, elections cannot be secured. It is crucial to activate the police as they are essential for maintaining order during the elections,” he added.

He also commented on the interim government’s chief adviser, Prof. Muhammad Yunus, praising his stature but questioning his political acumen.

“He is an outstanding personality, but he lacks experience in governance, which leads to shortcomings in the administration of the country,” Mustafa noted.

The departmental meeting was attended by several key leaders including JP executive committee member and Rangpur city general secretary SM Yasir, headquarters joint general secretary Haji Abdur Razzak and advocate Shamim Haider Patwary, among others.