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

Jatiya Party Co-Chairman and former mayor of Rangpur City Corporation, Mostafizar Rahman Mustafa, has urged the government not to ban political parties but to ensure punishment for those involved in wrongdoing.
He made this statement during a press briefing today at the Jatiya Party’s office on Central Road in Rangpur before a divisional representatives’ meeting.
“Jatiya Party does not support banning any political party. Be it Jatiya Party, Awami League, or BNP, those involved in crimes must be held accountable. However, those who are innocent should not be barred from politics. Banning parties hinders participatory elections,” Mustafa said.
Addressing concerns about participatory elections, he stated, “Without Jatiya Party (JP), elections cannot be inclusive. Jatiya Party is a significant political entity, and its exclusion would undermine the credibility of the election process.”
In response to questions about potential bans on political parties, he remarked, “There has been talk of banning Awami League, but not Jatiya Party yet. If the issue arises, it will be addressed then. Political parties can undergo reforms and return to the process. Not all members of Awami League are bad; there are good politicians among them.”Discussing the interim government’s role, Mustafa criticised its failure to present an election roadmap even after 100 days in office.
“The primary duty of an interim government is to ensure a participatory election, which the people of this country have awaited for 17 years. But inconsistent statements from the administration have created confusion among citizens,” he said.
Mustafa expressed concerns over law enforcement’s inactivity.
“The police force is currently ineffective. Without active police involvement, elections cannot be secured. It is crucial to activate the police as they are indispensable for maintaining order during polls,” 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 a distinguished individual but lacks experience in governance, leading to shortcomings in managing the country,” Mustafa noted.
The divisional meeting was attended by several key leaders, including JP Presidium Member and Rangpur City General Secretary SM Yasir, Central Joint Secretary General Haji Abdur Razzak, and Barrister Shamim Haider Patwary, among others.