The National Party (Jatiya Party), once considered the third force in Bangladesh politics, has lost its significant position due to long-standing alliances with the Awami League, participation in controversial elections, leadership crises, and repeated splits. After the July uprising, the party found itself marginalized. In the 13th national parliamentary election, the party failed to win any seats, even in its stronghold of Rangpur. Political analysts and former and current leaders of the National Party believe that the party's chances of making a comeback in electoral and grassroots politics are slim, as it lacks a dedicated workforce, its supporter base has fragmented, and there is no strong leadership to rebuild the party. Consequently, the National Party is now viewed as a minor party in the political arena.
Historical Context and Decline
Formed by military ruler H.M. Ershad in 1986, the National Party managed to maintain influence even after Ershad's fall in 1990. It played a significant role in the power equations of the country. However, the 2024 student-public uprising changed this reality. The party's long-standing alliance with the Awami League, controversial elections, leadership crises, and internal splits have weakened its position. In the latest election, the party's chairman, G.M. Kader, came in third in the Rangpur-3 constituency, indicating a loss of its traditional vote bank.
Leadership and Organizational Challenges
The National Party has faced significant leadership challenges since Ershad's lifetime, which intensified after his death in 2019. Disputes between Roushan Ershad and G.M. Kader, along with defections and attempts to form separate National Parties, have further destabilized the party. Recent splits involving leaders like Anisul Islam Mahmud and Mujibul Haque Chunnu have added to the party's disarray, leading to confusion among its workers and supporters.
Political Alliances and Public Perception
The National Party's alliance with the Awami League has been a double-edged sword. While it provided the party with some political leverage, it also alienated it from the public. The party's participation in controversial elections and its perceived role as a 'domesticated opposition' have further damaged its reputation. Political analysts argue that had the National Party boycotted the 2014 and 2024 elections like other opposition parties, it could have posed a greater challenge to the Awami League government.
Electoral History and Current Status
The National Party's electoral history shows a steady decline. In the 1991 election, the party won 35 seats with about 12% of the vote. By 2024, it had only 11 seats with a 3% vote share. The party's failure to win any seats in the 13th parliamentary election signifies a significant loss of its political footing, even in its traditional strongholds.
