Ershad for emergency until polls over

Jatiya Party (JP) Chairman HM Ershad has once again said the state of emergency should continue till the December 18 national election is over.
He said it would help avert violence, ensure voters' safety and prevent ballot rigging.
In an interview with The Daily Star, the former military strongman said if the caretaker administration opts to withdraw the emergency curbs before the election, thugs and their godfathers will get back to their usual self and try to ruin the electoral climate.
He however said he has no doubt that the election would be held on schedule. He said he is determined to run for three constituencies--Rangpur-3, Dhaka-17 and Habiganj-3.
Describing 1/11 as a real eye-opener to the political leaders, he observed that the changeover in January last year has altered their [politicians] mindset.
He said the political parties should not consider those convicted or accused of graft for nominations.
The JP boss said his party would not ally itself with BNP even if it fails to forge a grand electoral alliance with Awami League (AL). In that case, JP would contest the upcoming polls on its own.
He said his party will seek at least 60 seats from the AL-led grand alliance.
He said he expects to be the country's president again given the grand alliance's sweeping to power in the upcoming election.
Replying to a query, Ershad said he opposes the proposed dialogue between AL President Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
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