Jatiya Party (JP) chairman Hussain Muhammad Ershad came out in favour of restoring the presidential form of government, at a time when the opposition alliance’s demand for a poll-time caretaker government (CG) has put it at loggerheads with the ruling alliance. On Saturday, Ershad conceded that in the present situation, holding the next general elections would be difficult, without a caretaker government, even though his party does not favour the CG system.
In this connection, he proposed reintroducing the presidential system and threw a challenge to the two major political leaders of the country, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and leader of the opposition, Khaleda Zia. He said that he would be able to defeat them in the presidential election, even if the two parties forged an alliance against him.
The parliamentary form of government has failed to establish good governance in the country and if the presidential form is restored, he would regain state power, he said at the reception of Dr Captain M Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, central executive member of JP, at his Banani office in the city.
“We do not favour the CG system, but it is true, that without the CG, holding the general election will be difficult. So, my suggestion is to reintroduce the presidential system of government. Introduce the system and let the two parties contest against me, by filing a single candidate for the post of president. They cannot defeat me!” the former president said.
The coordination committee of the greater Noakhali unit of the JP had organised the programme, with its convener, Rintu Anwar, in the chair.
Speaking as the chief guest, Ershad said even a few days ago, speculation had been rife about a dialogue between the two leaders, from television talk shows to tea stalls.
“But, now, the possibility of a dialogue has evaporated. One leader is insisting on conditional participation in the elections, while the other one is seeking an assessment of popularity, as per the present Constitution,”
he said.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had introduced the presidential form of government in the country, Ershad pointed out, adding that Ziaur Rahman and he himself, too, had followed that trend. “The country achieved much progress under the presidential form of government,” he added.
Ershad, who ruled the country from 1982 to 1990, pledged to introduce a provincial system, to ensure good governance in the country, if he secures state power. “I’ll introduce provincial system in the country, if I go to power,” he said.
“It cannot be accepted that only 300 leaders serve 16 crore people.” The JP chairman also vowed to introduce a complete upazila system.
Regarding his stint as president, Ershad said, “It amazed me how I could do so much work in nine years’ time.”
Referring to hartals called by the opposition during his tenure, the former president said, “They (the opposition) enforced hartal for 371 days in nine years. But, that could not stop the progress of development.”
“The two leaders had enforced hartal over sending the army to Iraq, during my tenure. But, now, more that 10,000 soldiers are working for UN peacekeeping forces,” he said.
Criticising the government, Ershad said people are being branded ‘Razakar’ or ‘Jamaati’, if they speak of religion. “But, this situation will not continue for long. No one can stay in power making taunting remarks about the Prophet (PBUH),” he added.
Among others, JP secretary-general ABM Ruhul Amin Howlader and presidium member Ziauddin Bablu also spoke on the occasion.
-With The Independent input
