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Ershad girds for free, fair polls Manifesto includes provincial govt

FE Report | October 21, 2018 00:00:00


Jatiya Party (JP) chairman HM Ershad said on Saturday his party would participate in the upcoming election if it takes place in a free and fair atmosphere.

He, however, expressed his scepticism about holding of the next general election.

Mr Ershad said, "A political alliance [Jatiya Oikya Front] has placed seven points, but the government doesn't want to accept the demands."

"The seven points are not acceptable as per the constitution... and the future of the election isn't clear in the present circumstances," he added.

Mr Ershad made the remarks at a grand rally organised by the JP-led United National Alliance (UNA), a platform of 58 parties, at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan in the city.

He also placed JP's 18-point manifesto titled 'Way to freedom' ahead of the 11th parliamentary election.

The JP is currently the main opposition party in the 10th parliament.

Despite his doubt about polls, the JP chief said his party along with the UNA would compete in the election in all 300 constituencies under his leadership.

"The poll-time government has to be formed with the members of parliament, ensuring representation from all parties," he asserted.

The former military strongman said there might be fresh polarisation in the national politics in the days ahead.

Citing the current fluid political situation, he urged the government to ensure an environment conducive to free and fair polls.

Mr Ershad called his party colleagues to get united as it might be his last election.

The JP manifesto includes provincial government system, administrative decentralisation, fully functional upazila councils, electoral reform and independence of the judiciary.

Other points are parliamentary seats for minority groups, protection of arable land, farmers' welfare, food safety, reforms in education and road safety.

JP senior co-chairman Rowshan Ershad, co-chairman GM Quader and secretary general ABM Ruhul Amin Hawladar also spoke at the event.

The party's presidium members Anisul Islam Mahmud, Kazi Firoz Rashid and Ziauddin Ahmed Bablu, among others, also delivered speeches there.

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