Calling a midnight press conference on Saturday (May 5), Jatiya Party (JP) chief, Hussain Muhammad Ershad, appointed his younger brother, GM Quader, the acting chairman of the party for a second term.
In ill health, Ershad said in an unclear voice at the press conference that due to physical ailment, he is appointing his younger brother the acting chairman.
The sudden decision of Ershad triggered speculation about his retirement. His brother was a bit surprised, but said, “I am happy to have received the post and will be able to carry out work without hindrance.”
In January this year, before going to Singapore for treatment, Ershad issued a directive, appointing his brother the acting chairman and then on Mar 22, removed him from the post without prior notice.
Those who support Rowshan Ershad were happy then but were displeased by Ershad’s decision on Saturday to reinstate his brother.
Jatiya Party presidium member and pro Rowshan, leader, Fakhrul Imam said, “We are keeping an eye on the situation.”
Pro Rowshan party leaders feel that time will prove the efficacy of the decision. One influential JP leader adds: “After 11th National Parliamentary Election, BNP is in a precarious position and this situation must be exploited to strengthen JP.”
Reportedly, many leaders like Anisul Islam Mahmud, Kazi Firoz Rashid and several others are unwilling to accept GM Quader as chairman.
Kazi Firoz Rashid alleged in last March that GM Quader is not friendly towards party workers and does not keep in touch with party leaders, activists and others.
Meanwhile, Quader says that there are four to five leaders who dislike him but since he has been given authority, he will be able to work.
About Ershad’s health, he said: “He is normal but is able to talk, using limited words.”
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