Bangla former President says he is a 'free' man now

Dhaka, Dec 18 (UNI) Jatiya Party chairman H M Ershad today said ''he is now a free politician'' as he had expressed solidarity with the Awami League-led alliance of Bangladesh former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Mr Ershad appeared at the Paltan Maidan rally in the afternoon burying speculation that gave rise in the political circles since he went into hiding Saturday night. His wife Mrs Rawshan Ershad and JP leaders could not locate him despite frantic efforts.

''I am a soldier, I don't care for my death,'' he told the huge audience amid cheers and accused Bangladesh Nationalist Party of Ms Khaleda Zia for subjecting him to mental torture and even threat of death.

''I am a free man today,'' said former president Ershad, who served six years in jail and was unnerved by the last week's High Court order of two year imprisonment in a corruption case.

''None of the caretaker governments has done justice to me. Past is past. I apologise to my countrymen if I have done any wrong to them,'' he added.

His appearance at the rally from the 'hideout' evoked frequent applauds and clapping from the huge audience.

''I am grateful to the people for the endless love,'' responded the 76-year old former President, who ruled the country for nearly nine years with iron hands from 1982.

''I was subjected to torture and oppression whenever I talked about the endless corruption of BNP led four-party alliance government,''he said, adding ''They have threatened of sending me to the jail again and keep there till death if I join 14-party combine.'' Mr Ershad's contesting the upcoming election is still uncertain because of the High Court verdict that confirmed lower court's conviction and jail for two years in Japanese boat purchase scam case.

Referring to the political situation in the country, he said it was not congenial enough for holding elections.

''The caretaker government failed to create atmosphere conducive for free and fair polls.'' UNI XC KD DB2042