He was addressing a meeting organised by the city unit of the party at a hotel yesterday.

The JP Chairman also criticised the government for failing to provide assistance to Monga-affected people in northern part of the country.

He said the monga (a famine-like situation) has already claimed 30 lives.

Ershad said Jatiya Party must return to power to free the country from the misrule of the present government.

"The people should bring the JP to power again for their own interest," he added.

Ershad also criticised the German Ambassador in Dhaka Dietrich Andreas for alleged comments against Islam.

"Comparing the JP rule with Awami League and BNP, people are now convinced that the Jatiya Party should come to power again," said party Presidium Member Kazi Jafar Ahmed.

JP General Secretary ABM Ruhul Amin Howlader and Presidium Member Syed Abu Hossain Babla also spoke.

An Iftar mahfil followed the meeting.