report in bdnews24.com, Feb 20, 2018 at 20.57hrs
Rangpur: Jatiay Party Chairman HM Ershad has claimed a ‘large section of BNP’ is now showing interest to join his party.
He also says he has ‘no objection’ taking them in but has declined to identify the group of BNP leaders interested to switch their allegiance to his party.
He was speaking to a group of journalists at his hometown in Rangpur on Tuesday.
“I can’t give you any details now. You will know everything in time,” he said when asked to name those BNP leaders.
“Why shouldn’t we take someone who wants to join the party voluntarily? If they are good leaders, capable candidates then we will certainly bring them to the party and give nominations in the next general elections,” he added.
Ershad’s comment came after BNP chief Khaleda Zia was sentenced to five years in prison in a graft case on Feb 8 and there were media reports that acting chief Tarique Rahman had expressed displeasure with some of the party leaders and lawyers about their handling of the case.
BNP boycotted the 10th parliamentary elections in 2014 when the Jatiya Party took the opposition role in Parliament. In a bizarre political scenario, the party also took several ministerial positions while Ershad took the responsibilities of the special envoy to the prime minister.
The BNP has been demanding a government ‘that can facilitate fair polls’ for the next general elections and has now ruled out taking part in election unless Khaleda is released. The ruling Awami League, in turn, has rejected the BNP’s demand and said the elections would be held as per the constitutional provisions.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said the elections would not be affected by anyone’s absence.
Ershad said, “We have taken our preparation for the elections. Two parties are enough for the elections. The elections will be held in time as per the constitution and Jatiya Party will contest.”
He also said there was not point creating a hullabaloo about Khaleda’s convictions.
“When you are in politics you have to go to jail. It’s a political tradition. I was also in jail,” he added.
“The court has convicted her of corruption. She is now in jail. What’s the point creating a big fuss about it?” he asked.
The BNP has been continuing with its nonviolent protests against the jailing of the party chief and demanding her immediate release.
https://bdnews24.com/politics/2018/02/20/jatiya-party-chief-ershad-claims-a-large-section-of-bnp-wants-to-join-his-party
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