No JaPa MP to join cabinet: Ershad

Contradicting his party's parliamentary party's decision, Jatiya Party chairman HM Ershad on Friday said his party will be the main opposition in parliament while he will act as the leader of the opposition, reports UNB.

In a statement on Friday, JaPa chairman Ershad made the announcement contradicting his party’s parliamentary party’s decision to join the Awami League-led Grand Alliance government.

"As the chairman of the Jatiya Party, I would like to inform the people of the country and party leaders and activists at all levels that the Jatiya Party will act as the main opposition party in the 11th parliament."

He further said, "As the chairman of Jatiya Party parliamentary party, I'll be the leader of the opposition while party co-chairman Golam Quader will be the deputy leader of the opposition at the House."

Ershad said no Jatiya Party MP will be there in the cabinet. "I urge the speaker of the House to take necessary steps in this regard."

On Thursday, Jatiya Party parliamentary party decided to join the Awami League-led Grand Alliance government to make contributions to the country's further development under the leadership of prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Party co-chairman GM Quader made the announcement after its parliamentary party's meeting in Jatiya Sangsad.

Jatiya Party joined the election as the key partner of the Grand Alliance and bagged 22 seats.

Party senior co-chairman Raushan Ershad was the opposition leader in 10th parliament while several MPs joined as cabinet members.