JP urges talks for fair polls
JP urges talks for fair polls
Ershad threatens movement if gas, power prices hiked
Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad has urged all political parties to sit for talks to find out a solution for holding a free, fair and inclusive election to avoid violence.
“Let's sit together and create a congenial atmosphere for the development of the country,” he said while addressing a rally yesterday, marking the party's 29th founding anniversary at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital.
Ershad, also the prime minister's special envoy, threatened to wage a tougher movement if the government raises power, oil and gas prices.
“We've heard the government is going to hike the prices. If it is done, we will take to the streets coming out of parliament,” he said.
Lambasting the Awami League and BNP, the former military ruler said there had been no democratic practices in the country for the last 20 years after a two-party democratic system was introduced.
“People are panicked due to the criminal activities of the two parties. We will have to free the country from confrontational politics of the BNP and AL and restore peace and security among people.”
Criticising the present administration, Ershad said the incidents of killing, forced disappearance and abduction have become an everyday affair in the last one year of the incumbent government.
“There is no good governance in the country as corruption, tender manipulation, nepotism and criminal activities are happening everywhere,” he alleged.
The chief of the main opposition party called upon the government to realise Tk 14,000 crore laundered abroad in the last one year. He also urged the government to give subsidy in the power and gas sectors, instead of increasing prices of those.
Ershad referred to various development activities carried out during his tenure, and claimed his government was legitimate as per the constitution.
He also declared an 18-point demand that includes establishing provincial government, restoring good governance, freeing the judiciary and administration from politicisation, rooting out corruption and reforming the electoral system.
At the programme, Opposition Leader Raushan Ershad also called upon all parties to hold dialogue to resolve the political standoff over holding an inclusive election. She opined that the BNP could have formed the government if they had joined the January 5 election.
She also said people of the minority community were being deprived of their rights. “If Jatiya Party comes to power, it will ensure their rights.”