DHAKA: Jatiya Party (JP) chairman HM Ershad on Thursday claimed he did not snatch power after the murder of General Ziaur Rahman, the founder of BNP.

“The power was bestowed on me to rule the country, I did not snatch it,” Ershad reiterated.

He made the observations in a grand rally of JP at Suhrawardy Udyan in the city in the afternoon marking the JP’s 29th founding anniversary.

“The country was passing through a crisis with its army immediately after the assassination of General Zia. The then President Abdus Sattar gave me a testimonial as I had been able to bring the situation under control. Later, admitting of failure to protect his cabinet from endemic corruption, he asked me to assume power,” he added.

The JP chairman further claimed that his government prepared the base of development on which Bangladesh is now moving forward.

He also said initiatives taken by the JP government are the main reasons behind incumbent government’s claim of achieving self-sufficiency in food sector.

Ershad said, “I was the one who started the developmental works in the country. I had formed LGED so that all the muddy-roads can be carpeted.”

The foundation stone of Bangabandhu Bridge on the River Jamuna was laid by him, Ershad added.

Former President of the country said presence of lakhs of people in today’s rally substantiates that Jatiya Party is rejuvenated now and ready to go to power.

Praising Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, he also said, “Why did we fight for the liberation of the country? People had aspirations but almost nothing has been fulfilled yet. We wanted the rule of democracy. We wanted our students would always be out of corruption. We found nothing.”

He also pledged to fulfill people’s hopes and aspirations if elected.

Ershad also asked why the then political parties did not participate in the elections when power was handed over to me. I would have returned to barrack, if they took part in the general election.

JP secretary general Ziauddin Bablu presided over the rally where JP chairman HM Ersahd addressed the party men as the chief guest.

Jatiya Sangsad’s Opposition leader Raushan Ershad, Water Resources Minister Anisul Islam Mahmud, JP presidium member MA Hannan, Ruhul Amin Hawlader, GM Kader and city (south) JP president Syed Abu Hossain Babla also attended the rally.

BDST:1756 HRS, JAN 01, 2015