In Bangladesh's political landscape, the Awami League is the most profitable party, having maintained power for over 15 years and benefiting from numerous lucrative mega projects. However, the Jatiya Party (JaPa) holds significant sway regarding overall political and economic assessment. Within this party, attaining leadership positions like Secretary General, Presidium member, or Central Leader appears relatively easy and straightforward, while lower-tier positions at the district or upazila level prove more challenging due to entrenched incumbents.

The fate of the Jatiya Party is disintegration, with at least five parties emerging from its ranks in the country's political arena. It is highly likely that the party, led by former President Hussain Muhammad Ershad, is teetering on the brink of collapse once again. This Saturday, a conference for followers of Rowshan Ershad will convene at the Engineers Institution in the capital, signalling yet another phase in the Jatiya Party's inevitable decline.

The internal conflicts within the Jatiya Party, whether stemming from internal or personal disputes, took on a new intensity following Ershad's passing. Rowshan Ershad, initially contemplating burying her husband in or around Dhaka, ultimately yielded to pressure from local leaders and activists to lay him to rest at GM Quader's residence in Rangpur. This decision marked a turning point, souring the relationship between Rowshan and Quader irreversibly.

In 2019, after mediation by senior leaders, Rowshan reluctantly accepted GM Quader as the Chairman of JaPa, while she assumed the role of Leader of the Opposition. However, this fragile agreement unravelled three years later. Rowshan called for a council in August 2022 to oust GM Quader from leadership, prompting a retaliatory attempt by GM Quader to remove Rowshan from her position as leader of the opposition. Despite the power struggle, Rowshan retained her position with the government's backing.

In January 2023, a government-mediated agreement was brokered between JaPa chairman GM Quader and chief patron Rowshan. However, Rowshan Ershad fell into a trap initiated by the Awami League during the 12th national parliament election. Despite the Jatiya Party complying with all government conditions, Rowshan Ershad opted not to contest the election, citing grievances over the lack of nominations for her supporters.

Following the twelfth election, JaPa secured only 11 seats with dummy candidates. Subsequently, turmoil resurfaced within the party. Defeated candidates from 'the plough' symbol convened a meeting, alleging that GM Quader, who contested in the election, received monetary benefits but failed to distribute them among others—leaders who were denied seat concessions from the Awami League or lost despite receiving concessions criticised GM Quader. There were allegations that GM Quader attempted to bribe the party to secure a parliamentary seat for his wife, Sherifa Quader, although these efforts were reportedly unsuccessful.

GM Quader dismissed Co-Chairman Kazi Feroz Rashid, Syed Abu Hossain Babla, Presidium member Sunil Shubhoroy, and Vice Chairman Yahya Chowdhury. Subsequently, all of them aligned themselves with Rowshan. Rowshan succeeded in rallying those sidelined within the party to her faction. On January 28, Rowshan declared herself the chairman of JaPa following GM Quader's removal. She then convened the party's national conference.

JaPa General Secretary Mujibul Haque Chunnu told the media that holding ten conferences is not difficult. He acknowledged the existence of four parties named Jatiya Party. He indicated that another one might emerge but emphasised that the true Jatiya Party belongs to whoever wields the plough, metaphorically referring to GM Quader. Chunnu commented on the delicate nature of the Jatiya Party's relationship with Rowshan Ershad, stating that there is currently no opportunity to take organisational action against her. However, he mentioned that action has been taken against individuals who have committed wrongdoing under Rowshan Ershad's name.

After Rowshan Ershad called for the conference, GM Kader took a proactive stance regarding the event. He has already announced that the Jatiya Party conference will occur within the designated timeframe. Before that, conferences at the district and upazila levels must be concluded. The Jatiya Party will organise extended meetings, iftar gatherings, and divisional-level rallies shortly.

The party's General Secretary, Mujibul Haque, announced that the central extended meeting is scheduled for April, with district and upazila leaders in attendance. All district conferences are slated for completion by August. Following this, the tentative date for the central conference programme has been set for October 12. The General Secretary affiliated with Rowshan, Kazi Mamunur Rashid, stated that the leadership elected at the conference will strive to uphold the party's symbol, the plough. Rowshan's leadership is deemed authentic and committed to the party's principles.