After reports surfaced of Raushan Ershad apparently declaring herself the new chairman of the Jatiya Party on Tuesday, a wave of anger surged among leaders and workers at all levels in Rangpur.
Rangpur JaPa leaders, grassroots activists and workers said there is not a single member of the party in Rangpur – known as the stronghold of JaPa– who supports Raushan Ershad. They said she does not have the authority to make such a decision or announcement, as it goes against the party's constitution.
Rangpur Metropolitan Jatiya Party President Mostafizar Rahman Mostafa, who is also the mayor of the city, said: “Raushan Ershad is the chief patron of the Jatiya Party - there is no scope for her becoming the chairman of the party. Additionally, as per the party's constitution, there exists no legal foundation for her self-declaration as chairman. This is nothing but a joke. Our party's lawful chairman, GM Quader, and secretary general, Mujibul Haque Chunnu, were elected through a process involving party leaders and workers."
He said: "Raushan Ershad is unwell and uses a wheelchair for movement. Some unscrupulous people around her are trying to harm the party by taking advantage of her, but it will not work. Making an unwell person the party chairman does not make sense. The leaders and workers in the division have full confidence in GM Quader and Mujibul Haque Chunnu's leadership, and we are ready to oppose any plot against the Jatiya Party."
In response to a question, he said: "Nobody can cancel the committee created through the council. Simply declaring yourself the party chairman does not make you the chairman. The Jatiya Party in Rangpur remains strong; there is no backing for Raushan Ershad here. Those using her are within the party but lack support from leaders, workers and the public."
Rangpur Metropolitan Jatiya Party General Secretary SM Yasir expressed his anger and said: "Raushan Ershad is conspiring to destroy the party. Earlier, she took a stand against (HM) Ershad in alliance with the Awami League when he was alive. Every time the national election approaches, she plays new games and conspiracies. This time, too, she has started a new conspiracy before the election. But this time there will be no use in conspiring.”
"No Jatiya Party leader or supporter stands with her. All party members are united in support of Chairman GM Quader. Rangpur remains a stronghold for the party and will continue to be so in the next election. Party leaders and workers will not tolerate such jokes from Raushan Ershad."
Rangpur District Jatiya Party General Secretary Abdur Razzaque said: "Hussain Muhammad Ershad's beloved people of Rangpur region do not want to see this drama from Raushan Ershad again. We are the soldiers of the Jatiya Party formed by the late Ershad. He had announced GM Quader as the party's chairman long before his death. He has been declared the chairman of the party through conferences and councils. He is performing his duties as the party chairman with honesty and dedication."
"GM Quader has strengthened the party in the country and the Jatiya Party will run under his leadership, not on the instructions of Raushan Ershad.”
Meanwhile, some Jatiya Party grassroots leaders seeking anonymity said Raushan Ershad always wants to be in the discussion, and there is not a single worker who supports her in the entire division.
On Tuesday, a press release was circulated claiming that Raushan Ershad declared herself as the chairperson of the party while the current chief GM Quader is on a visit to India.
However, Raushan Ershad, chief patron of the Jatiya Party and the leader of the opposition in parliament, described the development as miscommunication.
She explained that her morning letter was intended to declare her role as the chairman of the council preparatory committee.
Jatiya Party Secretary General Mujibul Haque Chunnu said the change in leadership is fake news.
“I have spoken to all the co-chairmen of the Jatiya Party who have been named in the fake statement. The co-chairs said they did not assist in or sign any such notification,” he said.
He claimed some ousted leaders of the Jatiya Party used Raushan Ershad’s name to tarnish her image.
JaPa insiders said GM Quader took charge of the party through a conference, but his tenure has expired and he is now serving an expired term.
They added that it is the chairperson’s responsibility to call a party conference in due time.
The dispute between these two top leaders over the control of the party has been going on for a long time.
