Jatiya Party (JaPa) Secretary General MdMashiur Rahman Ranga has been appointed as the chief whip for the main opposition party in the 11th national parliament.
A letter in this regard, signed by Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad,was sent to Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury on Saturday, the party leader’s deputy press secretary, Khandaker Delwar Jalali, confirmed to the Dhaka Tribune.
The letter also mentioned that Ershad will serve as the leader of the main opposition party. Meanwhile, JaPa Co-Chairman GM Quader will be the deputy leader of the opposition.
On Friday, contradicting JaPa parliamentary party’s earlier decision, Ershad through a press release said that his party will be the main opposition in parliament, and he will act as the leader of the opposition.
Party Senior Co-Chairman Raushan Ershad was the opposition leader in 10th parliament, while some party MPs joined the Cabinet.
Also Read- Ershad: JaPa to serve as main opposition in parliament
Jatiya Party, which contested the 11th national election as a key ally of the Awami League-led Grand Alliance, bagged 22 seats.
Meanwhile, in a press briefing at the party chairman’s Banani office on Saturday afternoon, GM Quader said: “The party will emerge as a strong political party in the parliament to establish effective democracy in the country and to speak up for the people’s interest.
JaPa Co-Chairman GM Quader speaks at a press briefing at the party chairman’s Banani office on January 5, 2019 | Courtesy
“Instead of resorting to acts of violence, we want to be a strong opposition party in the House to raise voice for the country and its people.”
He further said: “The party would play its role through constructive discussion on the issues related to running of the parliament successfully.”
He reaffirmed Ershad’s announcement, saying there would be no JaPa lawmaker in the new Cabinet.
“The party would play a positive role in any sort of amendment or reformation in the interest of the country,” Quader added.
He, however, could not confirm when Ershad’s oath-taking ceremony would take place, but said: “Ershad’s condition is better than before and he will take his oath after talking to the Speaker of the House.”
