The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Former President and Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad yesterday said it would not be wise for him to become President as it would make him leave politics for ever.

"I think, it should not be wise for me to become President because it would make me leave politics for ever," he told reporters at Bangabhaban when asked about his much-talked-about desire to be President.

In his immediate reaction after the new Cabinet's sworn-in ceremony, Ershad, whose party is a partner having a minister in the Cabinet of the AL-led grand alliance government, said it matters little whether he is becoming President or not.

"The important thing is that the Grand Alliance has come to power. We want to work together with Awami League."

He cited another reason for not insisting for presidency as he would have to give up parliamentary seat in Dhaka.

He, however, dropped a positive hint to the reported offer to him to become the Deputy Leader of the House in parliament saying: "I heard about it…"

About the proportionate participation of the alliance partners in the Cabinet, he said GM Quader has been made minister and more ministers might be picked from Jatiya Party.

GM Quader, the younger brother of Ershad, in his immediate reaction also said: "We do hope some more ministers will be taken from JP."