Dhaka: It remains open to doubt whether the forthcoming municipal elections will be held in free and fair environment, observed Jatiya Party chairman Hussain Muhammad Ershad on Sunday.

Addressing a programme on the occasion of “continuation of constitution” at the Institution of Diploma Engineers in Dhaka, the former military and autocratic ruler said it was a matter of great regret that Jatiya Party had failed to nominate its candidates in all municipality elections. 

He was forced to step down on 6 December 1990 in the face of a popular uprising.

He also demanded the persons responsible for the killings of Shahid Nur Hossain and Doctor Milan should be taken to justice.

‘Where is the democracy for which I had to step down,’ he asked.

‘People are in pursuit of Jatiya Party. Elections are going to be held in 236 municipalities. We have candidates in only 91 municipal mayor posts. It is a matter of great regret. This party [Jatiya Party] was formed in 1986, but today we do not have adequate leaders to nominate them in mayoral posts,’ he added.

‘The government should realise that people are still doubtful about the free and fair elections. It should take steps to remove confusion from the people,’ he further said.