The Jatiya Party (JP) will hold its 10th national council today, aiming to end long-standing divisions and begin a new chapter of unity, Acting Chairman Anisul Islam Mahmud said yesterday.

Speaking at a press conference in Gulshan, Anisul said the council would pave the way to fulfil the vision of party founder HM Ershad, with several thousand councillors and delegates from across the country expected to join.

“This council is being held in line with a court order and the party’s constitution. The Election Commission has been informed and invited,” he said, adding that the council will restore democracy within the party, abolish controversial constitutional provisions, and move from single to collective leadership.

In a written statement, JP Secretary General Mujibul Haque Chunnu said the council follows a lower court order barring the chairman from organisational activities, which created uncertainty and stagnation.

Citing Section 20(2)(b) of the party constitution, he said the highest policy-making forum met on August 5, chaired by Anisul, and decided to convene the council without delay to ensure leadership continuity.

JP leaders ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader, Syed Abu Hossain Babla, Nasrin Jahan Ratna, and Shafiqul Islam Sentu, among others, were present at the press conference.

MN/