3 ministers of JP to resign, says Ershad

Jatiya Party's ministers in the cabinet of the Awami League-led government will resign soon, said JP Chairman HM Ershad in Rangpur yesterday.

Three of his party lawmakers are in the cabinet now, said Ershad, also the special envoy to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

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“I am enjoying the status of a minister,” said the former president, adding that his party discussed the issue internally and decided to quit the cabinet.

“It's a matter of time,” said Ershad while talking to reporters at Rangpur Circuit House.

His comments came after JP leader Raushan Ershad at the Jatiya Sangsad recently urged Hasina to relieve her three party ministers -- a minister and two state ministers -- from the cabinet to help it emerge as the “real opposition” party and thus help the JP survive with dignity.

Raushan also asked whether the JP was in opposition or in government.

Ershad also agreed with the statements of his wife and Leader of the Opposition Raushan who said their party faced huge criticism for joining the cabinet.

Dismissing the possibility of forming alliance with the BNP ahead of the next elections, he said he was doubtful whether the BNP would take part in the polls.

The BNP is now going through a leadership crisis, Ershad said.

Even if the BNP boycotts the next polls, it will be locally and internationally acceptable, the JP chief opined.    

About BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's bail, Ershad said he had been in jail for over six years, although the cases filed against him were bailable. “Despite the High Court's order, I was not allowed to join parliament.”

The JP will hold a grand rally in the capital on March 24 to show the party strength, said Ershad, adding, “We want to show the country people that we are ready to come to power.” 

JP Secretary General ABM Ruhul Amin Howlader, Co-chairman GM Quader and Rangpur City Corporation Mayor Mostafizar Rahman Mostafa, among others, were present at Rangpur Circuit House.