The Anisul Islam Mahmud-led faction of Jatiya Party has said it will not take part in the upcoming national election if the "false cases" and travel bans against its leaders are not withdrawn before the polls.
During a courtesy meeting with visiting Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey at the InterContinental Dhaka, Anisul, chairman of a Jatiya Party faction, said that the party would refrain from joining the election if these issues remain unresolved.
The party's Secretary General ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader and the chairman's Special Envoy for International Affairs and Presidium Member Mashroor Mowla were present. A five-member delegation led by the Commonwealth secretary-general took part in the meeting.
During the discussion, Anisul said a level playing field for the election still does not exist and that the administration is divided into two groups. "Besides, mob culture still continues in the country. The false cases filed against Jatiya Party leaders have not yet been withdrawn. In addition, numerous leaders have been barred from travelling abroad," he said.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Mashroor Mowla said the Commonwealth secretary-general had asked their chairman whether Jatiya Party would take part in the election.
"In reply, the party chairman said Jatiya Party is an election-oriented party and is always ready for elections. But there is currently no election-friendly environment in the country. Mob culture persists," he said.