GM Quader believes the government is behind the conspiracy to disband the Jatiya Party. This belief stems from the government's alleged facilitation of opportunities for Rowshan Ershad's supporters to hold a conference, potentially weakening the party. According to GM Quader, the current political environment in Bangladesh doesn't allow for independent political activities outside of established parties. He perceives this situation as indicative of a continuing dictatorship, where only the Awami League can engage in organised political activities. GM Quader shared his insights on this ongoing political context during an interview with the Dhaka representative of Bangla Outlook.

Bangla Outlook: Recently, a faction of the Jatiya Party held a conference with Rowshan Ershad, excluding you, and announced a committee there. How do you assess this situation?

GM Quader: There is no merit to this. It appears to be orchestrated with government support. The Election Commission has not accepted the committee's letter. I do not consider them legitimate. Those involved have been warned, and many have been expelled. Despite this, there seems to be a concerted effort from one side to disrupt the party. Government patronage is suspected to be behind it.

Bangla Outlook: You are associated with the government. Why would the government plot to dismantle the Jatiya Party?

GM Quader: The government's agenda is to monopolise politics exclusively under the Awami League. It aims for complete one-party dominance and does not allow any other political entity to operate officially. The government is employing all means to achieve this goal. Organisational support for the Jatiya Party has dwindled to virtually zero, with the number of party workers declining. Despite these challenges, we are striving to sustain the party's presence.

Bangla Outlook: Is the pressure solely originating from within the country, or are there external influences at play?

GM Quader: No, there isn't any external pressure. The pressure stems mainly from within the country. If the Jatiya Party doe anything outside the government's preference, there's a concerted effort to dismantle our party. A faction within our party is collaborating closely with the government. You must have noticed that an auditorium at the Institute of Engineers was recently rented to hold a conference. Rowshan Ershad didn't orchestrate this. She confided in me, stating that if we want to preserve the party, only I (GM Kader) must do it. If control falls into someone else's hands, the party will disintegrate. Rowshan Ershad, a woman, is grappling with severe mental and physical health issues. That particular faction within the party is manipulating her. Rowshan Ershad hasn't carved out a distinct political identity for herself. She's simply known as the wife of Hussain Muhammad Ershad. During the twelfth election, our party initially aimed to abstain from participating. However, due to the actions of a particular faction, we were compelled to participate. I faced immense pressure, and I had to make compromises to save the party. Yet, the challenges persist.

Bangla Outlook: Does this imply that the Jatiya Party is engaging in politics by compromising with the government?

GM Quader: Sustaining my party withoutbthat compromise would have proven exceedingly challenging. The country is currently under a regime of one-party rule. The government shows no tolerance for the survival of any political entity other than the Awami League. While there are laws in place, the rule of law is absent. Laws are wielded as tools to suppress criticism of the government. Dictatorship persists, and survival outside of it is virtually impossible. I have voiced criticism against the government's mismanagement, always considering the welfare of the people. Consequently, there's a systematic effort to dismantle my party.

Bangla Outlook: You're often called the government's domestic opposition party. Are there any plans to change this label?

GM Quader: We've already distanced ourselves. We maintain no affiliation with the government. However, our attempts to break free are being impeded. We're being actively restrained. Unlike a typical domestic opposition party, we lack the usual political activities and engagements. Those who align themselves closely with the government are contemplating departure to establish new political entities. Within our ranks are those colluding with the government, orchestrating activities aimed at undermining the party.

Bangla Outlook: According to your statement, what is the way out of the autocratic government? What is your role?

GM Quader: The only viable path forward is a gradual transition towards a democratic system. We must fervently advocate for democracy and fight for it. The exact method of our struggle is yet to be determined; it remains a matter for the future. However, we will aim to amplify the voices of the people and advocate for their rights to the best of our abilities. The future will reveal the extent of our success or limitations. It's imperative to recognize that we cannot achieve this alone; we need the support of the people across the country. Additionally, the involvement of other political parties is crucial. While this may take time, we must strive to unite various forces towards this common goal.

Bangla Outlook: Do you think of involving in a movement with other political parties on current issues?

GM Quader: What do you mean by movement? There's hardly any room for such movement. While I can make statements, orchestrating rallies or protests on the streets, will they bring practical solutions to our problems? Currently, I'm unable to conduct political activities as usual. There's a prevailing apprehension that without the support of the Awami League, no political party with a substantial grassroots following can sustain itself. The landscape of everyday politics is veering into uncertainty. Both the government and opposition parties need space for operation. But we do not see it. In such desperate times, when there's a shortage of everyday political environments, people tend to gravitate towards extremism. The once stable political atmosphere in the country now appears uncertain.

Bangla Outlook: How dire do you perceive this situation for the country?

GM Quader: The erosion of people's rights and their diminishing sense of ownership over the country are deeply troubling developments.

Bangla Outlook: Thank you.

GM Quader: And thank you to Bangla Outlook as well.