The coalition government is unwilling to reform the system to cling to power, JP leaders said at a big public meeting, held at Palichara under Rangpur sadar upzila on Thursday.

They called upon the people to unite to press the caretaker system reform and to realise the eight-point demand of the people of Rangpur.

The eight-point demand put forward at the meeting include gas supply to northern districts and declaration of Rangpur Division.

Tahe meeting was addressed by, among others, JP Presidium member GM Quader MP, JP Joint Secretary Moshiur Rahman Ranga MP, Organizing Secretary Sayed Noor Ahmed Tulu, Rangpur JP Joint Secretary Sohrab Hossen and its Sadar upazila president Mostafa. It was presided over by Rangpur sadar upazila secretary Abed Ali.

Quader said the coalition government has failed to run the country and ensure security of people's life and property.

Even life of lawmakers are not safe. Two opposition parliament members were killed during the tenure of the government but their fair trial can not be expected under it. The government should step down immediately in the interest of the people and the country.

He called upon the people to unit to launch tougher agitation to dislodge the coalition government as it has become, what be said, autocratic and anti-people.

He alleged that corruption and crime in the country increased after takeover by the coalition government as the party men are involved in corruption. They are also sheltering criminals, he alleged.

He also called the government a lair. It had promised in parliament to supply gas to northern districts and set up an education board and a university in Rangpur. But no effective step has been taken to fulfil the promises even in three and a half years, he said.

Quader urged the people of Rangpur to unite on a single platform to realise the eight-point demand.

He claimed that people were better off during the nine years Jatiya Party rule than they are now. Prices of essentials, fertiliser and fuel are higher now than during Jatiya Party tenure, he said.

People want Jatiya Party in power again he said and called upon party workers to prepare for the next election.

Moshiur Rahman Ranga MP said, the coalition government has deprived the people of Rangpur by not fulfilling its pledges. There has been virtually no development work in Rangpur under the present government, he said. The people of Rangpur will no longer vote for any party except Jatiya Party, he claimed.

Sayed Noor Ahmad Tulu said, the government has destroyed democratic values by foiling peaceful opposition programmes at different times by using police. This is autocratic.