Ershad asks Hasina, Khaleda to end crisis

Jatiya Party Chairman Hussein Muhammad Ershad has urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia to sit together and find a way out of the current political unrest.

He on Monday sent two letters to the leaders of the Awami League and BNP, whose joint movement had ousted him from power nearly two decades ago.

The press was informed about the letters on Wednesday.

Ershad wrote: “I have reached the end of my days. At this point of my life, I urge you both – come forward and discuss to find a way to end the crisis now with a mindset of sacrifice, not grudge or stubbornness. Ensure your place in history by taking initiative towards peace.”

Claiming the country was going through a ‘transition’, he also urged the Prime Minister to sit with all political leaders to overcome the situation.

He reminded Hasina of her duties as the Prime Minister. “You can take the peace initiatives right now from your position.”

“Call the opposition chief, call me, call the leaders of all parties who have representatives in Parliament and also call the eminent and leading personalities of the country. Sit for a discussion.”

The former military ruler, now a member of the Awami League-led Grand Alliance, said everyone will respond if the Prime Minister calls them to a dialogue.

“If anybody does not come, that person will be detached from the people,” he said.

In the letter to BNP Chairperson, Ershad said, “The bewildered nation wants the two leaders of the two major parties to sit together. I will also be with you [Hasina and Khaleda].”

“Whatever the reason, a disaster has descended upon the country. We can forget the faults and lapses for now.”

“Let us sit altogether and find a way to overcome the situation only considering the people’s peace and security, the country’s economy and the future of democracy,” he said.

The Jatiya Party chief sent the letter when the fear of a devastating political crisis is rising with the conflicting stance of Awami League and BNP over the nature of a government to oversee the next parliamentary elections.

Jatiya Party is the third strongest party in Parliament.

Ershad has already announced that he will leave the Grand Alliance at the ‘right time’. He has also been saying that his party will contest the next elections on its own.

In the letter to Prime Minister, Ershad said he respected Hasina not only because she was the Prime Minister, but also because she was the daughter of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and was a ‘devout Muslim’.

“I find your love for the country and the people unquestionable.”

He also told Khaleda, “I find you patriotism unquestionable too. You have run the country and if Allah wants you will do so again in the future.”

He stressed that Bangladesh did not face a political crisis this big after independence.

“I can feel how much you are moved by the current situation in the country and the possible disaster in waiting. I am just making some humble statement to you during this transition the country is going through.”

“Let us forget all the bitterness of the past and find a way to overcome the ongoing crisis.”

He also urged Hasina and Khaleda to stay away from the ‘stubbornness’ to return to power and cling to power.