Extend time for submission of nomination forms by 10 days: Ershad
Jatiya Party (JP) Chairman Hussan Muhammad Ershad on Friday said that his party would take part in the parliamentary polls if the government rescheduled the date for submission of nomination papers and ensured participation of all political parties in the elections. “Our JP ministers held a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday and demanded extension of time for submission of nomination papers by 10 more days. I am firm on my decision about not taking part in the election unless our demands are met,” he told reporters at his Baridhara residence President Park in the evening.
Replying to a query on submission of resignation letters of Water Resources Minister Anisul Islam Mahmud and Adviser to PM Zia Uddin Bablu, he said, “They are yet to hand over the resignation letters to me. They will soon do it. There is no split in JP.”
Earlier on the day, Ershad clarified his recent statement about threat to commit suicide saying he did utter the word ‘suicide’ only to stave off pressure from him.
“I am a former President and Army Chief; why should I say would commit suicide? It is not true. I saw police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) cordoned off my house immediately after my announcement to boycott the upcoming elections. So, it was my concern that they could take me to an unknown place,” he told reporters at his Baridhara residence President Park in the capital.
Ershad claimed that his comments were not reported properly on media.
Indirectly admitting his suicide threat, the JP chief said, “I had taken the strategy so that none could create pressure on him.”
On Wednesday night, Ershad reportedly said that he would commit suicide if the government tried to arrest him. He made the threat while talking to
newsmen at around 11 pm at the premises of his Baridhara residence. “I have a pistol loaded with six bullets, and I will shoot myself dead if the government tries to arrest me,” the former president said. There will be no change in his decision to boycott the parliamentary polls, Ershad said, adding, “Neither Awami League nor BNP could be able to bring any changes in the country. So, it needs a permanent change for the sake of the people.”
“There is no scope to alter his decision to leave the polls-time cabinet. Five ministers have already handed over their resignation letters to me. My wife, Rawshan Ershad, will take them to the President in appropriate time,” he said in reply to a query. Demanding changes in election system, he said that the people would vote parties not symbols. “Terrorists, armed cadres and black money holders will enter parliament if election system is not changed,” he added.
Meanwhile, JP Secretary General ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader said that they are holding talks with the government to resolve the pre-poll crisis.
“Talks are on to find ways to resolve the current crisis through peaceful means. We have made considerable progress. Hopefully, a permanent solution will be found,” he said.
-With The Independent input
