Democracy is tolerance to other's views and actions. But neither the ruling party nor the major opposition party can tolerate each other. This is causing sufferings to the people.

He was addressing a gathering marking the qulkhwani (religious rites after death of a person) of the mother of JP Secretary General ABM Ruhul Amin Howlader at Baher Char village under Dumki upazila in the district yesterday.

He criticised the BNP-led ruling alliance government for deterioration in law and order and price hike of essentials.

The present slide in law and order is because the ruling party is sheltering criminals. Law can not take its course because of interference by ruling party leaders, he alleged.

He claimed that people were happy under the rule of JP, when there was law and order and essentials were cheaper.

The former president said corruption and politicisation of the administration has become all-pervasive now, which is hindering development.

Ershad claimed that only his party could salvage the nation from the present suffocating situation and urged the people to rally round JP again.

Ruhul Amin Howlader and its JP Presidium member Habibur Rahman also addressed the gathering.

Our Barisal Correspondent adds:

HM Ershad said the government to step down as it as it has failed to ensure security of people's life and property.

He was addressing a big gathering on the Shashid Minar premises at Bakerganj upazila in Barisal district on Thursday on his way to Patuakhali.

The meeting was presided over by Jahangir Hossain Manik, president of bakerganj upazila Jatiya Party and was addressed by, among others, JP leaders Ruhul Amin Howlader, AM Hannan, and Abu Sufian.

He said demanding resignation of a failed government is not undemocratic. If the ruling party is confident of people's support, it should step down and face election, he said.