Bangladesh, Aug. 13 -- The Jatiya Party faction led by Anisul Islam Mahmud and Ruhul Amin Howlader has applied to the Election Commission (EC) for formal recognition after holding a national council without the party's Chairman GM Quader amid an escalating leadership row.

The group, which describes itself as the party's "mainstream", submitted the names of four newly elected leaders, including Senior Co-Chairman Advocate Kazi Firoz Rashid and Executive Chairman Mujibul Haque Chunnu, the day after its Aug 9 council in Dhaka.

"We have informed the EC about the council in accordance with procedure. We held the council of the No. 12 registered party [Jatiya Party, 'plough' symbol]," said Anisul.

"We have submitted all documents to the EC. ...