Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad on Wednesday asked his party members to resign from the polls-time cabinet.
He made the directive while talking to journalists after his meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh on Wednesday afternoon.
Before he made the announcement, leaders and activists of Jatiya Party gathered in front of Ershad's city residence and staged a protest in support of the party chief's latest decision of not joining the upcoming polls. Some presidium members of the party also joined the gathering.
Besides, an adequate number of law enforcers, including police and Rab have deployed in the area to maintain the law and order situation there.
While taking to reporters, Ershad said: "I asked party members to resign from the polls-time cabinet, as it is impossible to hold elections in a peaceful manner during such a time."
"I have decided not to join the polls without the participation of all parties," he added. He further said: " My last word is that I will not join the 10th general election."
Ershad said: "During the meeting, Sujatha said Jamaat would have a resurgence if Jatiya party rejects the polls. In reply, I said if that happens, the government would be responsible," added the former president.
When contacted, two incumbent ministers from his party, Anisul Islam Mahmud and Mujibul Haque Chunnu, said they would resign from the cabinet.
However, Anisul Islam Mahmud last night told the Dhaka Tribune that the decision of not joining the polls was not a party decision, it was Ershad's personal decision.
Earlier in the day, he ordered all his concerned party subordinates to withdraw their nominations for the January 5 elections.
Seven ministers of the 29-member polls-time cabinet are from Jatiya Party.
Earlier on Friday, Jatiya party announced its candidates for 294 constituencies for the 10th national parliamentary election.
