He didn't disagree with the concept of emergence of `third force' in the political arena.

While talking to this correspondent at his Baridhara residence, Ershad said as both Awami League and BNP "failed to present good governance, people are looking for a third force to replace these two".

On recent move by former President AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury, Ershad said although many a person, especially members of the civil society, hailed the move, the civil society can not change a government.

The civil society can create public opinion against the government, but for the change of government a political party or alliance is an imperative, said Ershad, who stood down from the presidency in the face of mass upsurge in 1990.

"Let's wait and see the next move by Prof Chowdhury," he said about the sudden reappearance of the immediate-past President, who also had to quit last year amid revolt within the ruling BNP.

About the prevailing situation, Ershad said law-and-order situation turned for the worse and it is now the focal point of discussion, in any circles.

"People are scared about the present situation with law and order and they want a change, but how this change will come has to be decided by the political leaders and parties," he said, adding that there is "no concrete plan" in this regard.

Ershad has already had preliminary talks with Krishak Sramik Janata League President Kader Siddiqui MP, JSD leader ASM Abdur Rab and a few smaller Islamic groups with a view to forming a new alliance.

"Formal discussion will start after Eid, but I can't say at the moment when the alliance will take a formal shape," he said.

Although it would be an electoral alliance, he said that they were yet to discuss the future action plan of the planned alliance. "They (possible allies) have agreed to form an alliance," he added.

The JP Chairman said he was also holding discussion with the other factions of the Jatiya Party for reunification, which he said may take a shape by December.

About the possibility of any anti-government movement, Ershad said he had heard that Awami League is preparing to go for movement, but he was not sure when they would launch their movement.

About his Jatiya Party stand, he said they are critical of the government, but they are not in a position to launch any movement now as his party is not prepared.

Ershad showed his reluctance about any street agitation, but agreed that the ground is prepared for the launch of an anti-government agitation.

"Let us complete reorganising the party; then we will form alliance and later decide to go for movement," he said.