Leaders of a Jatiya Party factions has announced the widow of party founder HM Ershad, Raushan Ershad as the party's chairperson.

At a media call on Thursday (Sept 5), Presidium member Anisul Islam Mahmud made the announcement.

He also said GM Quader had split the party and suggested that Quader take the position of co-chairman in JP.

Raushan, the widow of party founder HM Ershad, has been serving as the senior co-chairman until now.

GM Quader, who has been serving as the party chairperson after his brother Ershad's death, however, declined to comment earlier.

It was also decided that Mashiur Rahman Ranga, MP, will remain as the party secretary-general.

On Jul 18, four days after the death of HM Ershad, Ranga declared Quader as the party chairman. On July 23, Raushan 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 and the other pro-Raushan. After Ershad’s death, his followers became known as pro-GM Quader.

It is believed that the government sympathizes with Raushan.

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, the party chairman will be the opposition leader.”

Earlier, a crisis had developed within the party over the nomination of an opposition leader in parliament after founder-chairman HM Ershad passed away on Jul 14.

However, both sides have said the issue relies on a nod from the government. The candidate who shows allegiance to the government will get the go ahead.

GM Quader’s press secretary and JP Presidium Member, Sunil Shuvo Roy said: “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, he added.

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