People were happier under me: Ershad

RANGPUR, Feb 14 (bdnews24.com): Bangladeshis have become fed up with bickering of two parties-the ruling Awami League and the BNP, said Jatiya Party chief HM Ershad.

He claimed people were happier under his regime.

"One of the parties (the BNP) is burning people alive to capture power, severely damaging the economy. While the other (Awami League) is using all out force to cling to power," Ershad said on Saturday at a party meeting in Rangpur.

The prime minister's special envoy said the people, the source of power in democracy, liked neither of the ways.

"It will be bad for both the parties if they do not ensure peace and security of the people," he said.

The deposed military ruler said, "The people are becoming united against sabotage. They will hit back if they are left with no choice."

A mass movement spearheaded by the Awami League and the BNP in the early 90's forced Ershad out of office.

"Reach out to people," he urged his supporters, "Make them understand that they were happier under our party's rule."