In the country’s politics, HM Ershad is synonymous with the term ‘unpredictable’ for his frequent changes in stance throughout his political career.
His Tuesday’s announcement to shy away from the election race has proved it once again.
There is a saying that in politics there is no final word and the former military dictator is banking on this proverb religiously. In the run up to the 1/11
changeover, Ershad changed side overnight –once with BNP and later with Awami League (AL). This time he is apparently following the same course. After the massive
defeat of the ruling party-backed candidates in five city corporation polls, he was vocal against the AL-led grand alliance government of which his party was the
largest ally.
On the first week of November, Ershad declared that he would not take part in the next general election if BNP did not join.
“If we join the election without the BNP, people will spit on me,” the Ershad said in early November, but within a couple of days Ershad tripped back, saying that if
he would not join the election, people will spit not only on him but also on all the politicians.
He later nominated candidates and joined the interim cabinet sending 6 of his party leaders to have their cabinet berths.
Meantime, opposition blockade started and after the expiry of the nomination filing deadline on Monday night it was found that the response from parties except those
that belong to the grand-alliance is almost nil.
The next morning, he changed his colour again and said he would not join the polls as it would not be inclusive, stunning many.
Unfortunately, his reputation as a turncoat is so high that the people seem not ready to take his announcement as final one.
However, Ershad’s decision triggered interesting reactions in social media sites.
“Chacha (uncle) may somersault by 24 hours” says a post. Another one said: “May be, he has got a better offer from the Gulshan office than that of the Dhanmondi
office”.
Did Ershad anticipate such reaction? May be he did. Because while announcing his decision at a press conference earlier in the day, Ershad pleaded: “I am an elderly
person. Please do not make fun of me.”
Alas! People find it very difficult to keep his request.
-With The Independent input
