A crisis has developed within the Jatiya Party over the nomination of opposition leader in parliament. The issue has divided the party. One section wants GM Quader as the opposition leader while the other wants Raushan Ershad. However, both parties have said that the issue relies on a nod from the government. The candidate who shows allegiance to the government will have the last smile.

GM Quader’s press secretary and JP presidium member, Sunil Shuvo Roy, says: “the person who has the support of a majority of MPs will be elected head of the opposition.”

We took the signatures of 15 MPs and gave a letter to the speaker to appoint GM Quader as head of the opposition.

Pro Raushan presidium member, Fakhrul Imam, says: “opposition leader will be elected at the parliamentary board which has not taken place as yet; so, GM Quader’s letter does not have any validity and we have given a letter to the speaker asking not to accept GM Quader’s letter.”

On Jul 18, four days after the death of HM Ershad, JP secretary-general, Mashiur Rahaman Ranga, declared GM Quader the party chairman. On Jul 23, Raushan Ershad along with seven MPs and two presidium members gave a statement refusing to accept GM Quader as party chairman.

While Ershad was alive, the party was divided into two, one was pro-Ershad the other pro-Raushan. After Ershad’s death, his followers became known as pro-GM Quader.

It’s believed that government has sympathy for Raushan Ershad.

During a press conference held on May 4, HM Ershad said: “during my absence, my brother, GM Quader will be the chairman and so, he is now the chairman; as per party organogram, party chairman will be the opposition leader.”

A pro Raushan presidium member, Fakhrul Imam, said: “party chairman will be elected at the party council; therefore, GM Quader will be chairman until the next council.”

There is also contention over by election for Rangpur-3 which became vacant after Ershad’s death. Pro Rowshan supporters want Saad Ershad while followers of GM Quader want either Ershad’s brother or a local leader.

On Sept 3, Tuesday, after Rahgir Al Mahi alias Saad Ershad collected form, supporters of Ershad’s nephew and former MP Hossain Moqbul Shahriar Asif, burnt Saad’s effigy.