Punish criminals but don’t ban political parties: leader JP Mustafa

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

He made this statement during a press conference at the Jatiya party office on Central Road in Rangpur today ahead of a meeting of branch officials.

“The Jatiya Party does not support banning any political party. Be it Jatiya Party, Awami League or BNP, those involved in crimes must be brought to justice. However, the innocent should not be excluded from politics. The party ban makes participatory elections more difficult, Mustafa said.

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

In response to questions about potential bans on political parties, he noted: “There is talk of banning the Awami League, but not the Jatiya Party. If a problem arises, it will then be resolved. Political parties will be able to undergo reforms and return to Not all Awami League members are bad; there are good politicians among them.” Discussing the role of the interim government, Mustafa criticized the fact that it had not presented an action plan for elections even after 100 days in office.

“The primary responsibility of the interim government is to ensure the participatory elections that the country’s citizens have been waiting for for 17 years. However, the administration’s inconsistent statements have created confusion among citizens,” he said.

Mustafa expressed concern about the inaction of law enforcement agencies.

“The police force is currently ineffective. Without the active involvement of the police, elections cannot be ensured. Activation of the police is necessary because it is necessary to maintain order during the elections,” he added.

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

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

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