"We (political leaders concerned) publicly said that we would not break our pledges, but regrettably some of us, not all, broke those," Dr Kamal said in an interview with Channel i adding "I apologise, because from simple and naive belief, I was with them."

"Those who have broken their pledges have been identified and they should say sorry publicly and I apologise on their behalf," the veteran politician said. Such leaders should withdraw from politics, he added.

Regarding the ongoing drive against corruption, he said that top political leaders, rather than second or third ranked leaders, should be put on trials on a priority basis. Although some top leaders are on trials, most of the detained party people are second or third-ranked, he observed.

Earlier, the Gono Forum president had told the same television channel that he has taken an initiative to float a new political platform.

Dr Kamal said that he has already started talks with honest people and those personalities who had taken a stance against corruption. This move was prompted by a concern for national interest, he added.

"It is not the time to stay put at home. The need of the hour is to rise for national unity," he said.

While his attention was drawn towards the ban on politics, he replied, "The ban would not stand in the way as we can talk to each other as citizens of the country. We are having talks in the people's interest and for their cause."

Meanwhile, in another interview with ETV, Dr Kamal called on everyone to unite in building a platform that would promote healthy politics.

The channel also reported that the jurist would soon begin meeting the lawyers in different districts to discuss the matter. He also said that he is ready to welcome whoever would take the initiative to that end.

He said, "Respective party must not delay in disciplining the corrupt leaders."

Referring to Gono Forum and those in the 14-party combine, he said, "Let's have a look at ourselves."

He said, "We had long been in an abnormal situation. Corruption was everywhere. Its scale gets larger as you advance to the top echelons."

He also said that the ones who were involved in graft are now criticising the drive against graft. Dreams are shattered for those who were planning to make it to parliament through 'nomination trade'.