Want to see JP in power before death: Ershad

Jatiya Party (JP) Chairman HM Ershad yesterday said he wanted to see his party in power before his death. 

The JP chief also said he will not join hands with the AL or BNP in the form of an electoral alliance in the next general polls.

“They [AL and BNP] will join us. No one will be able to come to power without Jatiya Party.”

Ershad, whose party's three leaders are in the Hasina cabinet, made the comments while speaking at a joint meeting at the capital's Institute of Diploma Engineers.

They (AL and BNP) said JP will not be able to nominate candidates in all the 300 constituencies, but “I'm prepared to nominate candidates in 900 constituencies,” he said during the meeting.

Criticising the government over the country's sorry state, especially the deterioration of law and order situation and price hike of essentials, he said, “The situation of the country is not good. People are living in miserable conditions due to price hike of essentials. Enforced disappearance and murder have become an everyday matter.”

Referring to AL leaders' claim that the country has now become a middle income one, Ershad, also a special envoy to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, said the fact is that the income of the ruling party leaders has increased, not that of the people's.

Ershad also urged his party's leaders to ensure a large gathering for the party's rally scheduled for February 15 in the capital.