The Jatiya Party (Ershad) lawmakers yesterday boycotted the parliament session protesting the government reluctance to allocate development funds to their constituencies.

The second largest opposition party in parliament is likely to join the session today and walk out of the House, giving an ultimatum to the government to meet their demand, sources said.

Prime Minister Khaleda Zia had assured the JP lawmakers of meeting their demand. But the promise is yet to be fulfilled, said a JP lawmaker.

Last year, the JP went for such protest twice but returned to the House on government assurances.

With the JP lawmakers staying away, the House yesterday witnessed a day nearly without the participation of opposition parties.

The main opposition Awami League has been boycotting the session, which started on January 31.