The New Nation - Internet Edition

Barisal Correspondent

Jatiya Party Chairman Hussain Muhammad Ershad yesterday said that despite fear in some quarters he had no doubt about the holding of the national election on December 18 under emergency.

He at the breath expressed doubt about the holding of the upazila election on the declared dates.

Ershad, who came to Barisal city to attend the marriage ceremony of the son of JP secretary general Ruhul Amin Howladar, was talking to journalists at the Circuit House here.

He pointed out that at least four national elections were held under military government and martial law between 1970 and 1991. It was worse than present Emergency Power Rule (EPR). The recent local government polls were held peacefully and fairly and over 80 percent people cast their votes in the polls without fear due to EPR, he claimed.

He opposed the demand of BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia for the resignation of the chief election commissioner saying that notwithstanding some lapses here and there both the present government and the EC have done many good jobs. He credited the EC with the preparation of national identity cards, voter list with photo and demarcation of constituencies and said that successes of the present government outweigh their failures.

The JP chairman said that his party would support the demand for barring the war criminals from participating in the general election.

He was also hopeful about the participation of Awami League in the upcoming general election under the banner of the grand alliance and leadership of Sheikh Hasina.