Jatiya Party Chairman Alhaj Hussein Muhammad Ershad has said his party will take part in the next general elections either BNP does or does not participate in the same.
"If BNP does not participate in the election, then Jatiya Party will compete in all 300 parliamentary constituencies," Ershad said today while talking to local journalists at Rangpur Circuit House in the city, BSS reported.
Ershad, a former president and Prime Minister's Special Envoy, said his party has demanded 70 seats, including all 22 seats of greater Rangpur, from the Prime Minister to take part in the next polls as a partner of Awami League (AL) and subsequently, 10 to 12 ministries.
"If, AL does not meet our demand, Jatiya Party will put candidates in all 300 constituencies in the next elections," Ershad said hoping that his party would come to power by winning the next polls.
Ershad said, "Though I was innocent, the government of Khaleda Zia put me in jail without granting bail for five years. Now, she (Khaleda) is in jail and it reflects the persecution done to me by keeping in jail then."
Terming the movement for reform of the quota system as a logical demand, Ershad said, "It was not logical to completely cancel the quotas. I think, Prime Minister herself did not want to cancel the quota system totally."
Ershad said, "There is a quota system in the country's constitution. It cannot be canceled by anyone. It is necessary to make some reforms to bring it to the logical level and there should be some quota system for the freedom fighters."
Ershad also hoped that the Prime Minister would decide to keep some quota for the freedom fighters.
Party Secretary General ABM Ruhul Amin Hawlader, State Minister for LGRD and Cooperatives Mashiur Rahman Ranga, Mayor of Rangpur city Mostafizar Rahman Mostafa and Rangpur City unit General Secretary SM Yasser were present.