All waiting for AL to quit

Everybody is waiting for the Awami League to quit power as there is no rule of law and democracy in Bangladesh, said HM Ershad, special envoy to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, yesterday.

Lambasting the government for failing to ensure security of foreigners, the Jatiya Party (JP) chief, said the alert raised by foreign countries cautioning their nationals travelling in Bangladesh undermined the latter and that it was a matter of shame. He said the recent two killings of foreigners have prompted buyers, especially of garments, the largest source of Bangladesh's foreign income, to avoid the country, foreigners were leaving cancelling hotel bookings and democracy had become lifeless in Bangladesh.

"Killings and enforced disappearances are taking place one after another due to absence of rule of law. Even foreigners also became victims of killing. What type of a country it has become!" said the former military dictator.

He was addressing a delegation of JP's Rangpur unit leaders and activists at his Banani office in the capital.

Calling upon leaders and activists to work in unison to strengthen JP, Ershad said, "Country's people want change, want peace. That is why people want to see Jatiya Party in power once again."  

"It would not be hard for us to win the national election if we can create eligible and good candidates whom people can trust," Ershad said, adding, "People tell me 'you did many good activities but where are your candidates? For whom will we cast our votes?'" 

The former president said irregularities and corruption including the leak of question papers could not be prevented due to government interference.