JP infighting: AL throwing its weight behind Raushan?

Aggrieved by Jatiya Party chief GM Quader's recent criticism of the government, the Awami League high-ups are allegedly backing Raushan Ershad in a renewed fight over supremacy in the JP.

Raushan, chief patron of the JP and leader of the opposition, on Wednesday convened the party's national council for November 26, apparently in a bid to exert pressure on Quader.

Sources in the JP told The Daily Star that the pro-Raushan group plans to oust Quader from the party's helm during the council and take control of the main opposition in parliament.

The conflict between the two leaders worsened when JP Parliamentary Party on September 1 wrote to Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury requesting her to make Quader the leader of the opposition.

Quader is now the deputy leader of the opposition.

Sources in parliament and the JP said though the Speaker is the supreme authority to make such a decision, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's blessing is vital.

Hasina, after a Business Advisory Meeting at Jatiya Sangsad on August 28, reportedly scolded Quader for his recent anti-government remarks outside parliament.

Meeting sources told The Daily Star that the PM criticised Quader over his meeting opposition parties about anti-government movement.

Following these developments, Quader in a speech in parliament on September 2 did not make any sharp criticism of the government or raise any issue that could discomfort the government, a JP leader told The Daily Star.

Hasina was present in the House then.

Quader even lauded Hasina for playing an important role in keeping parliament alive and meaningful.

He was not available yesterday for comments despite repeated attempts.

Meanwhile, the JP presidium at a meeting at the party chairman's Banani office yesterday said it unanimously supported the proposal of the JP parliamentary party to make Quader the leader of the opposition.

It also decided that anyone conspiring against the party would be expelled regardless of their posts within the party.

On Friday, Quader told reporters that another party was trying to implement its agenda using Raushan's name.

He said sometimes some quarters use Raushan to issue statements and notices that  go against the party's position.

He also said Raushan was ill and unable to play her role as the leader of the opposition.

However, Golam Moshi, political secretary to Raushan, told The Daily Star that the opposition leader was very much capable of doing her job.

"She is physically fit now. But it was unfortunate and surprising that they issued a notice to Speaker to drop Raushan from the post of the opposition leader … She [Raushan] was deeply hurt by the move."

Moshi said Raushan, now under treatment in Bangkok, would go ahead with her plan to hold the party's council on November 26 and inject fresh blood into the organisation.

The feud between Raushan and Quader started over getting the top post of the party after JP founder HM Ershad became sick in early 2019.

The conflict reached its peak following the demise of Ershad in July 2019.

Since then, the two had made headlines several times over their public feud.

Raushan is considered by many of being close to the prime minister.