Raushan hopes for withdrawal of cases against Ershad
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Raushan Ershad yesterday said she talked to the government over cases filed against Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad and hoped that those would be withdrawn.
“I have already demanded withdrawal of his cases. You (JP men) don't need to be worried. The cases should be withdrawn. I have already talked (with the government)...and am working on it,” said Raushan, also the senior co-chairman of JP.
She made the comments while addressing JP's 31st founding anniversary in the capital's Suhrawardy Udyan.
However, men of JP were not convinced and during her speech chanted slogans demanding immediate withdrawal of the cases. In response, she said, “I have already said the cases will be withdrawn but for that you have to make the party strong.”
Lower courts are holding trials over three cases filed against Ershad. The cases involve corruption in purchasing radars, allotment of plots and murder of Maj Gen Abul Manzur.
On November 28, Raushan at a programme said she was more disappointed than party leaders over the cases since it was her husband.
“Whenever I raised the issue with the honourable prime minister, she told me that she would take measures,” said Raushan.
Yesterday she said, “This time we need to take the party (JP) to power, this time we will not let JP be used by others as stairs to reach power.”
In his speech, Ershad talked over the attacks on minority communities in the country.
“Why are areas populated by minority people deprived?...why the land and houses of Hindu people are grabbed?” he asked, adding that if JP was voted to power, it would ensure higher studies, employment for minority communities and their representation in parliament.
He again expressed his desire for JP to take part in the next polls independently as it had a significant effect when it participated in the polls under any alliance.
He urged the party's leaders to work together as there was a possibility of the party winning in the next polls and forming the government.
“Participating in the next national elections may be the last election of my life,” the former military ruler said.
He claimed that he did not grab state power in 1982 and that it was imposed upon him.
If his party is voted to power, Ershad vowed to realise 14 goals, including changing the election system, establishing regional governments and starting full-fledged upazila systems.
JP Co-chairman GM Quader, Secretary General Ruhul Amin Hawlader, Presidium Member Anisul Islam Mahmud and Ziauddin Ahmed Bablu also spoke.
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