The Jubo League, a subsidiary organization of the Awami League, was once a powerful force, particularly after the party's defeat in the 2001 National Parliament elections and during the 1/11 government. During these times, the Jubo League played a crucial role in movements and struggles. However, its influence began to wane as it became increasingly controlled by the 'family' circle.
The organization's character changed significantly following the Awami League's National Council on November 23, 2019, when Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, son of the organization's founder Sheikh Fazlul Haque Mani, was elected chairman. Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil was appointed General Secretary.
After Parash's election as chairman, his wife, lawyer Nahid Sultana Juthi, began to wield significant influence within the organization. Despite Nikhil holding the position of General Secretary, his role became largely symbolic, limited to signing documents. Meanwhile, widespread rumors suggested that those who could win the favor of Parash and Juthi would secure positions within the organization.
Juthi, once known as 'Madam' Juthi, rose to power as the leader of the Jubo League. She became notorious for her ruthless tactics, demanding money from anyone who crossed her path. Through a network of loyal followers, she established a powerful syndicate that manipulated political committees at the district and upazila levels, selling them for millions of Taka. The Jubo League grew into a formidable organization, largely through the notorious actions of the Parash-Juthi duo. Ambitious and power-hungry, Juthi sought to become the General Secretary of the Supreme Court Lawyers Association, using the street power of the Jubo League as leverage.
Juthi's controversial political activities reached their peak during the 2024-25 Supreme Court Bar Association elections. There, she resorted to intimidation and violence in a failed attempt to secure a victory. At her command, Jubo League workers entered the polling stations armed with weapons and launched attacks, creating chaos and fear among those present.
At various levels, including the central leadership, Dhaka Metropolitan North-South, and numerous district leaders, local extortion and tender-rigging activities were carried out to meet the demands of Parash and Juthi. A significant portion of the illicit gains from these activities ended up in Juthi's hands. Her insatiable greed ultimately led to the destruction of the organization, as she prioritized money over loyalty and integrity. The actions of Juthi and her supporters not only tarnished the reputation of the Jubo League but also caused a severe embarrassment to the Awami League government. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was deeply angered by these unlawful acts and their impact on the party's image.
The arrest of those involved in the recent legal incidents, including Juthi, has been ordered. Police Detective Branch (DB) officers also raided Parash’s house in an attempt to capture Juthi.
Several Jubo League leaders have accused Parash and Juthi of exploiting the organization as a money-making machine. Although Jubo League is an affiliate of the Awami League, it became the weakest faction after Parash and Nikhil assumed leadership. This decline followed the introduction of a 'quota' system under the central leadership, allowing hybrid members to secure party positions in exchange for crores of taka. This sidelined former student leaders and loyal, tested workers. According to these leaders, the damage to the Jubo League was primarily caused by the Parash-Juthi duo, who destroyed the organization under the guise of humanitarian work.
Former and current Jubo League leaders, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the organization was once the strongest and most united, attracting former student leaders. However, after the 2019 conference, many new leaders emerged through lawyer, family, relative, and ‘sponsor’ quotas. As a result, the Jubo League on the streets became more like a limited company. Many of these leaders, having bought their positions, later engaged in corrupt activities, extorting money from various offices under the organization's name.
Several district-level Jubo League leaders, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that anyone wishing to meet Jubo League Chairman Fazle Shams Parash must first seek permission from Juthi. This, they said, was an unwritten rule within the organization. Additionally, when Jubo League leaders visited the districts, local leaders were expected to participate in their 'protocol'. Those who failed to do so faced verbal reprimands from central leaders over the phone.
Reports say that Juthi, the daughter of Pabna district’s Advocate Nahid Sultana, has no political roots, and her father, Prof. Abu Saeed, is also unaffiliated. After completing her studies at Rajshahi University, Juthi moved to the capital. Her influence has grown significantly since her husband, Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, became Jubo League chairman. This rise in power has allowed her to intervene in a range of matters, including committee formations and organizational control within the Jubo League.
Bd-pratidin English
Translated by Jisan Al Jubair
