Discussion has already begun within the Jatiya Party (JaPa) about the next possible Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. The matter will be discussed at the party presidium meeting to be held in a few days. But several party leaders have said that the election about the next leader in the House will be decided after getting an idea about the sentiment of the government.

On Jul 14, JP leader HM Ershad died and party leaders said that through a variety of programmes, Ershad will be remembered.

One section of the party wants Ershad’s wife Raushon Ershad to be the leader. This section was once known as anti Ershad when he was alive.

It’s believed that at the impending presidium meet, pro Raushon group will present their rationale. Meanwhile, they feel that GM Quader  joined the party much later.

They claim, GM Quader  may have been in the cabinet between 2009 and 2013, he changed his position before elections in 2014, and the government may have reservations on the matter.

A presidium member feels: “after Ershad’s death, unity in the party can be possible through Raushon Ershad; a party needs to be steered by a veteran. Ershad did not give any time to the party in the last two years but the party ran on his name.”

Presidium member, Fakhrul Imam, adds: “The issue of the electing an opposition party leader will be discussed in the upcoming meeting.”

Raushon Ershad has the political acuity to lead the party, he added.

Other presidium members say that in the last days, Ershad appointed his brother the acting chairman and on Mar 23 last, made Raushon Ershad the deputy leader of the opposition party in parliament.

Some leader believe that since GM Quader got the post of acting chairman from Ershad, he will remain the opposition leader.

JP secretary-general Mashiur Rahaman Ranga adds: “Raushon Ershad is already the deputy leader of the opposition; we will settle everything at the presidium meeting in ten days.”

However, selection of the leader of the opposition is contingent on a green signal from the government. An AL presidium member adds: “The selection of the leader of the opposition will be decided by Jatiya Party; Raushon Ershad was in charge before and ran it well.”

Jatiya Party chairman added: “We will decide through discussion and the leader will be decided as per the organogram of the party."