"I would not leave the country due to pressure, even if it was from the government," he said yesterday noon while talking to journalists at Bogra Tourists Motel. He was staying there during a stopover on his way to a three-day visit to Rangpur.

On the government's alleged bid to send Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina and BNP chief Khaleda Zia abroad, Ershad said the government's decision to send them outside the country was wrong. If there were any allegations of corruption against any leader, their trials should be held in the country.

Asked about the prevailing state of emergency, he said it does not create any problems for the country.