Dhaka, Aug 18 (UNB) - Jaitya Party chairman HM Ershad on Saturday said his party will contest the next general election independently to test its popularity.

“We’ll contest the next polls independently…we would like to test our popularity as I‘ve been saying this for the last three years. There has been no change in our stand,” Ershad told reporters at Shahjalal International Airport on his return home after a 5-day visit to India.

Asked about the attitude of the neighbouring country about Bangladesh’s present political situation, Ershad said they want free and fair polls in the country with the participation of all major political parties.

During his tour, Ershad, leader of one of the key allies of the Awami League-led ruling grand alliance, met Indian top leaders, including newly-elected President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and discussed various bilateral issues.

Teesta water-sharing treaty and Tipaimukh Dam project were among the issues that came up for discussions during Ershad’s meetings with the Indian leaders, according to Indian media.Ershad’s visit to India assumed significance on some crucial bilateral issues between India and Bangladesh that remain unresolved.