Election 2008

Price control first task if voted to power: Ershad

22 December 2008, 18:00 PM

Golam Mostafa Jibon, Sirajganj

Jatiya Party (JP) Chairman H M Ershad yesterday urged the people to vote for grand alliance candidates to save the country from anti-liberation forces and make it free of corruption, militancy. He said, the grand alliance is promise-bound to build a happy and prosperous society in a peaceful atmosphere. The former president said the people suffered much during what he called 'misrule' by BNP-Jamaat government and corruption of its leaders. The price level tripled during the government's tenure, but it did not take any step as its leaders and workers were involved in profiteering through syndicates. Low-income groups were the worst sufferers. The first task of the grand alliance, if voted to power, will be to take steps to reduce prices of essentials, he said. Referring to nine years of Jatiya Party rule, Ershad said, price of rice was Tk. 8 to Tk 12 per kg, which is rose to Tk 30-35 during the BNP-Jamaat government, he said. Ershad was addressing at an electoral rally arranged by Sirajganj district Jatiya Party. Held at Sirajganj Varsity College ground in the town, it was presided over by district JP president Lutfar Rahman. Ershad said, there is no gap between AL and JP. The grand alliance has been formed bid to fight corruption and establish real democracy in the country. He called upon the people to vote for 'plough' or 'boat' symbols to place the grand alliance to power. Turning to local problems, Ershad said, if elected, the grand alliance government will reopen Quami Jute Mills, shut during the four-party alliance government. Erosion by Jamuna will be checked and the rail line from Sirajganj Bazaar station to Sadanandapur would be restored. Ershad expressed his disappointment finding no Awami League leader on the podium during the rally. “I addressed at least seven rallies arranged by Awami League in different areas of the country. “Awami League leaders should have attend the rally arranged under the banner of grand alliance”, he said. He introduced Aminul Islam Jhantu as grand alliance candidate in Sirajganj-2 constituency (Sirajganj Sadar-Kamarkhanda) and begged vote for him. He also warned grand alliance leaders that if they fail to achieve victory this time due to any wrong decision, they will be 'destroyed' and people of the country will face a serious crisis. Among others, Jatiya Jubo Sanghati secretary and JP nominee Aminul Islam Jhantu, Jatiya Party Presidium member Muzibor Rahman Juktibadi, district secretary Gazi Farukh Ahmed spoke.