Jatiya Party Chief Patron Raushan Ershad today declared herself the chairman of the opposition party amid incumbent Chairman GM Quader's ongoing three-day visit to India.

The development was communicated through a press release on two Whatsapp groups where news relating to Jatiya Party is disemminated.

The Daily Star has not been able to independently verify the authenticity of the press release, which was apparently signed by Raushan, chief patron of Jatiya Party and leader of the opposition in parliament. 

According to the press release, Raushan said she took charge of this post as per the advice and decision of the party's senior leaders and to bring pace in the party's activities.

Jatiya Party insiders said four co-chairmen wrote to Raushan last December expressing their lack of confidence in GM Quader and saying he was ineligible to perform the role of chairman.

At the time, Raushan did not sign the letter because she wanted to give Quader more time, the insiders said.

But this morning, she signed the letter and declared herself the chairman of the party, they said.

According to the press release, the four co-chairmen are: Ruhul Amin Hawlader, and lawmakers Kazi Firoz Rashid, Salma Islam and Abu Hossain Babla.

The development comes three days after she met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the Gono Bhaban.

The party's new council has also been announced, and Raushan will perform her duties as chairman till the next council, according to the press release. 

GM Quader is scheduled to return to the country today.