Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad said today his party would not participate in the upcoming national election slated for January 5 next year.
The former military dictator came up with the announcement at a press conference at his Banani office in the capital, a day after submitting nomination papers for the 10th parliamentary election.
“Earlier I promised that I will not take part in the national polls without the participation of all political parties…..I kept my promise,” Ershad said.
“All parties did not come in election. So, I am not taking part in the polls,” he added.
During the press briefing, Ershad also directed his party leaders to withdraw their nomination papers.
Replying to a query whether the JP ministers serving in all-party government will resign if he does not participate in the election, Ershad said, “If I will not take part in the election, they will come back.”
“I am yet to give directives to the ministers,” he said responding to another question.
Highlighting the recent political turmoil, Ershad said, “We are heading towards an uncertain future. The country is now at the edge of destruction. We are being disregarded to the world.”
Earlier on November 18, Ershad quit the Awami League-led grand alliance and declared to join the polls-time cabinet “to oversee the next parliamentary election”.
Source: THe Daily Star
