"I will step aside after passing the leadership baton to the next generation. After lifting of the ban on indoor politics, the council will decide who will be at the helm of the party," Rawshan said at a press conference at her Gulshan residence in the capital.

Earlier on June 26, Rawshan Ershad, a senior presidium member of JP, in a dramatic way proclaimed herself as the acting chief and announced 13-point proposal for intra-party reforms apparently seeking to dethrone the JP Chairman, her husband HM Ershad.

Rawshan also introduced Presidium Member Golam Mosih as 'the new secretary general' replacing the incumbent, Ruhul Amin Hawlader.

Ershad at a press conference the same day said Rawshan might get the axe for her 'anti-organisational' activities.

The former president on June 30 announced his retirement as the JP chairman and appointed Presidium Member Anisul Islam Mahmud to deputise for him until the council elects a new chief.

Lauding the change following the declaration of emergency on January 11, Rawshan said, "We should utilise the golden opportunity that we have got after 35 years to build the country."

Rawshan said she does not have any contact with her husband Ershad who is now under treatment in a hospital.

She however said she would visit him soon.

JP leader Golam Mosih and Col (rtd) MA Gaffar were present at the briefing.