PM, Ershad meet in JS

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad yesterday at a meeting discussed different important issues, including the means to hold the Gazipur City Corporation and upcoming national elections.
“Mistrust” regarding Ershad over his recent comments against the government and whitewash defeat in the recently held polls to four city corporations also came up in the closed-door meeting at Hasina's parliament office, sources said.
Ershad, the key partner in the ruling alliance, has been criticising the government since last year over different issues, including law and order slide, violence by Chhatra League, handling of Hefajat and some much-talked-about scams like Hall-Mark, Destiny and Padma Bridge.
Ershad and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's recent simultaneous visits to Singapore for “treatment” at the same hospital has also raised questions on the political front, although the Jatiya Party has rejected outright charges of any understanding with BNP ahead of the national polls.
“I've just made a courtesy call on the prime minister [Hasina]. It's been a long time since we last had talks,” the JP chief said as he emerged from the hour-long meeting.
Asked about the meeting agenda, Ershad said the Gazipur city polls, mode of the upcoming parliamentary polls, election schedule, among other issues, had come up for discussion.
Ershad did not give a direct reply when asked if his party would extend support to the ruling Awami League-backed candidate in the Gazipur polls.
He, however, said, “We are still in the grand alliance. Besides, this is a local government election. Is there anything to announce support formally?”
Jatiya Party sources, however, said Ershad had conveyed to the premier his “grievances” for not evaluating his party in running the government, not consulting with the JP before selecting candidates for the four city corporations, the AL's go-alone policy, and dissatisfaction among his party's grassroots leaders.
In reply, the premier urged Ershad to extend his party's support to AL-backed mayoral candidate Ajmatullah Khan.
The sources said Ershad had assured the PM of his support to Ajmat but said his party might not extend formal support due to “strategic” reasons.