Ex-dictator laments for democracy

Contradicting the fact that a mass movement forced him to step down 25 years back, former military dictator HM Ershad yesterday apparently claimed that he had handed over power on his own accord "to strengthen and keep constitutional democracy on track".

"Where is that democracy for which I had handed over my power...? I do not know when I will see that democracy," the Jatiya Party chairman told a discussion the party organised in the capital's Institute of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh marking "Constitution Protection Day".

On the contrary, all political parties observe "Democracy Restoration Day" marking the day in 1990 when Ershad's autocratic rule came to an end though the mass uprising of political parties including Awami League and BNP, student organisations and professional bodies.

Following President Ziaur Rahman's assassination on May 30, 1981, the then army chief General Ershad staged a military coup, overthrew elected president Justice Sattar and grabbed state power on March 24, 1982 before imposing martial law.                

Now the prime minister's special envoy, Ershad also apparently ridiculed the case BNP filed against him over the murder of General Abul Manzur in 1981, saying it would run forever. "Summons will also be sent to my grave after my passing," he added. He said BNP oppressed him and his party men and that it was Allah's justice that it now had no place in politics. He said as per news reports marking the day, Bangladesh could not taste democracy as AL and BNP destroyed it, for which people would try them.

On the upcoming municipality polls, he said people were confused over whether free and fair polls would be held and it was AL's duty to ensure it. Criticising his own party, he said it was a shame that it could not have candidates in all municipalities.