Ershad’s 7th death anniv observed

The seventh death anniversary of former President and Jatiya Party (jaPa) founder Hussain Muhammad Ershad was observed on Tuesday through separate programmes organised by the party’s rival faction led by GM Quader and Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud.

GM Quader-led JaPa held its commemorative programme at the party's central office in Kakrail in the capital. The observance began at 9am with the laying of wreaths by the party's Central Executive Committee and its associate organizations. 

The programme also included reciting from holy Qur’an at 1:30pm, prayers seeking divine forgiveness for departed soul of Ershad, distribution of food among the needy from 2pm and a memorial meeting. 

Addressing the memorial meeting, JaPa  Presidium Member Sherifa Quader described Ershad as "a visionary leader" who had made significant contributions to infrastructure development, rural advancement, education and strengthening the local government system.

"Many development initiatives implemented under his leadership are still remembered by the people of the country," she said.

Calling him a leader of the masses, Sherifa Quader said Ershad had always attached the highest priority to the welfare, hopes and aspirations of ordinary people.

"His political ideology, patriotism and commitment to the people will remain a source of inspiration for us," she added.
Meanwhile, Anisul Islam Mahmud-led faction began its observance in the early hours of the day  by placing wreaths at Ershad's portrait in front of the JaPa central office. 

Later-on, the memorial meeting was held at the Emanuel Party Centre in Gulshan, with former party chairman Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud called for greater national unity through inclusive politics.

"For the welfare of the country and the nation, all revenge and hatred should be removed and greater unity should be built through inclusive politics," he said.

Referring to the country's political discourse, Anisul said, "We do not want this debate for or against the Liberation War. Bangladesh cannot move forward without 1971. The parliament where you are sitting and speaking is the parliament of Bangladesh."

He said, "You will not get more time if you do not do what the people want. You came to parliament as a result of the Anti-Discrimination Movement. You have to eliminate that discrimination."

Alleging political discrimination, Anisul claimed the JaPa had been denied a level playing field in the election.

"The JaPa was not allowed to contest the election properly. The interim government wanted to make another party the opposition. Had there been a fair environment, we would have been the opposition party," he said.

He was critical of the government's economic management and added, "We are suffering the consequences of one and a half years of misrule. The BNP government has presented a large budget, but it will not be possible to implement it. The IMF has also said so. We want reforms. That is the demand of everyone. Without reforms, it will not be possible to move the country forward."

The programme concluded with the distribution of food among the underprivileged under the initiative of Jatiya Juba Sanghati.