JP contemplates pulling out of poll-time govt
In a new twist in the latest political development, Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad on Tuesday announced to boycott the upcoming national polls scheduled
for January 5, saying that he has already directed party candidates to withdraw their nomination papers. Former military dictator Ershad, who is known for changing his political stance off and on, also said his party contemplates pulling out of the ‘all-party’ poll-time
government if the election does not take place. “Earlier, I had said that I would boycott the parliamentary election if all the political parties don’t join. So, in
line with my statement I would like to change my decision that my party will not take part,” he told reporters at a press briefing at his Banani office in Dhaka.
When asked about JP representation in the cabinet, the former president said, “It was my proposal to form an all-party poll-time government. We have decided not to
join the elections and if the election doesn’t take place the ministers will quit. However, I will let you know about our decision in this regard later.”
The election atmosphere is diminishing day by day and it is not possible to have a peaceful election under these circumstances, Ershad said, adding that his party will
take part in the polls if all political parties join.
Requesting journalists not to ridicule him, he said, “Please don’t misunderstand me. It’s partially true that I had to change my decision time to time due to pressure
from various quarters. I’m an enchained politician. There are many cases pending against me.”
There is no alternative to chairman in Jatiya Party, he said, adding, “I have to take all the party decisions. There will be no existence of the party if I go to jail.
So, some criticise me for changing my decisions, please don’t misunderstand me.”
Ershad also said that he had to breach a commitment he made during the Gazipur City Corporation election. In the Gazipur mayoral election held in July, Ershad decided
to remain neutral. But he later gave in, supporting ruling party candidate, who eventually lost to the opposition-backed candidate.
“I thought that they [BNP-led opposition alliance] would join the parliamentary polls after my decision to take part in the election. I waited till the last minute on
Monday, but the opposition refrained from contesting the polls. So, I want to keep my promise of boycotting the election,” Ershad said.
“There have been 74 cases against me since 1990,” the Jatiya Party chief said, adding that he was implicated in General Manzur killing case 14 years after the
incident. “The case has been pending with court for years. Thirteen justices have changed during this period… the case is yet to be disposed of,” the former dictator
said in an emotion-choked voice.
Ershad quitted Awami League-led Grand Alliance on November 18 and the same day, eight Jatiya Party leaders were inducted in the poll-time cabinet to oversee the
parliamentary polls.
-With The Independent input
