BNP leaders declined to comment.
However, Jamaat Naib-e-Amir Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher said, “Jamaat is a democratic and moderate party, but it is unfortunate that the neighboring country has a misconception about Jamaat based on injustice and ignorance. We believe that neighboring country’s imperialist thinking, interference and blind support to a particular political party will lead to regional insecurity.
Jamaat leaders said they felt there was little chance for the BNP to openly promote its ties with Islamic parties, including the Jamaat. As a result, the BNP has little choice but to formally talk to the Jamaat or announce a simultaneous movement with the Islamist party. In such a situation, the Jamaat can take to the streets on the same day with different programs for similar demands.
Shafiqul Islam Masood, member of the Jamaat Central Working Committee and secretary of Dhaka City (South), told Prothom Alo, “The Jamaat will play a role as per the expectations of the people in the ongoing successive programmes, as required.”
However, several BNP policy makers told Prothom Alo, the BNP would like to see the final result of the movement on the resignation of the government before the elections this time with various parties and coalitions, and in the process, the BNP has called on all other Anti-government will take to the streets