The 12th parliament goes into its maiden session tomorrow in the absence of a “genuine opposition” that can hold the government accountable.

Ending speculation about the Jatiyo Party’s role in the new parliament, both Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and JP Chairman GM Quader yesterday said the JP will be the main opposition in the House.

Awami League bagged less votes in the January 7 national polls compared to the previous two general elections, according to Election Commission data.

Hundreds of Jatiyo Party leaders and activists demonstrated against the party chief and secretary general in front of the JP chairman's office this afternoon, even as their newly elected lawmakers were taking the oath of office in parliament

The Jatiyo Party leaders who were elected as members of parliament in the January 7 election are unlikely to take the oath tomorrow, the party insiders said today

Candidates of Jatiyo Party, the main opposition party in parliament, are vying for 265 seats on paper, but most of them are not campaigning.