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JP to support parliamentary form of govt

I am not repentant, says Ershad

By Staff Correspondent
Deposed President HM Ershad on Wednesday expressed his wish to contest the presidential election. But at the same time, he said he will support parliamentary form of government if BNP and Awaml League Jointly move any bill in parliament. He however said the acting chairman of Jatiya Party will decide his party stand in this regard.
While talking to newsmen at the Sangsad Bhaban. where he came to take oath as MP he said he is not at all repentant for the alleged misdeeds during his nine years’ rule. He said, *1 don’t own any responsibility for any killing.*
When asked what is his reaction to the alleged killing of 85 persons and injuring about 1000 others during his last days in power. Ershad said, "to maintain law and order police resorted to action at that time. So. why should I be responsible for these killings?" He put a counter question whether the present government took any responsibility for the killing of 12 people In Jails during the recent days.
He said the recent election was fair but not Impartial. If Jattya Party would get equal opportunity like other political parties It could do much better in the elections, he said.
However, he said his party would play a constructive role in Jatiya Sangsad.
He said, despite the adverse situation his party could emerge as the third largest party in the parliament. If every one wants democracy, then every political party should be given equal opportunity and treatment, he said.
He said the agitation during his regime was concentrated in the cities and towns only, and the people of rural areas did not take part In any sort of agitation. He said he gave up power Just for avoiding destruction of public property. He told a questioner the armed forces Were totally loyal to him and did never show any disloyalty to him during his tenure.
When asked why he gave up power when he could retain power, as he claimed tn an interview with the BBC. Ershad said, he was misquoted by the BBC but he did not want to give any rejoinder because he always preferred to talk through the national press, not through the foreign media.
He then said, what had Ix-cn done by Allah was better for "all of us'. He said that he
had set up an example of peaceful transfer of power as per Constitution.
Quoting a newspaper he said, even having been accused of murder. Indira Gandhi was relieved of charges when she was elected MP. But In his case, he was not relieved of charges. He alleged that the present government is tiying to victimise him in any way.
Ershad said, despite repeated request he was not allowed to remain present dur ing the time of making Inven tory of the accessories which were found In his residence.
He said the money which was found In his residence was kept for making payment for a house of Jatiya Party.
When asked about his personal secretary’s statement regarding Taka two crore which was given to him by him (Ershad). Ershad said he does not know anything about any other money.
Ershad said, he himself repealed tire Special Powers Act prior to his resignation but the present government has still kept the act In effect Just for harassing the members of • Jatiya Party.
When asked to comment on his reported philandering, he said. "Why don't you ask thia to
women concerned. I am restrained to speak."
When asked to comment on the current trial of his corruption. Ershad said he will not make any comment on the Judiciary. but he expects fair Justice.
When asked who will be his running mate if he contests the presidential election: he said the acting chairman of his party Mtzan Chowdhury will decide about all these. He said he could not contact Mizan Chowdhury to discuss anything about the future course of politics.
Answering a question that whether he found any difference between his rule, the political prisoners could not talk to the press, and the present political atmosphere. when he. being a prisoner, was allowed to talk to the press. Ershad said. "During his rule there was no political prisoner “
During 40 minutes he was talking to newsmen. Ershad became Irritated once when a reporter addressed him as a general. 1 am not a general. I am an ex-president." he promptly said.
When he was talking to the newsmen, he was flanked by former Vice-President Moudud Ahmed and others