Leader of Opposition: All but 2 JP MPs back Quader

In yet another dramatic move, a group of Jatiya Party MPs yesterday submitted a letter to Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, requesting her to make GM Quader the leader of the opposition in parliament.

Along with JP senior lawmaker Kazi Feroz Rashid, four other MPs sent the letter, Jatiya Party Presidium Member SM Faisal Chishty said.

He also said that the consent papers of 15 other JP MPs were enclosed with the letter. 

There are 22 JP MPs.

A staff member of the Speaker’s office confirmed that they have received the letter.

The position for leader of the opposition has been vacant since the death of JP chairman HM Ershad on July 14. 

The rift between the followers of Ershad’s younger brother GM Quader, also current JP chairman, and followers of Ershad’s wife Raushan Ershad for deputy leader of the opposition has now widened.

“JP MPs sending a letter to make GM Quader leader of opposition is nothing but putting pressure on Raushan Ershad’s group,” said a JP presidium member.

The Jatiya Party Parliamentary Party will sit for a meeting before the parliament goes into session on September 8 to select the opposition leader, he said.

After the meeting, they will send a letter to the Speaker regarding who to appoint as the leader of opposition in parliament.