BJP not a coalition Partner: Naziur

Secretary General of the party Kazi Firoz Rashid read out a statement and Naziur replied to questions at the press conference held at the party office. It was organised to give the party's reaction to the prposed budget for fiscal 2003-04.

Naziur said the four parties (BNP, Jamaat-e- Islami, BJP and Islami Oikya Jote) had reached an agreement before the last general election that they would participate in the polls and form a government together. But as the BJP and the

Oikya Jote were not included in this government, it could not be termed a four-party coalition government, he added.

He, however, hoped the prime minister would shortly draw them in the government and fulfil all election pledges without further delay.

Naziur said the government did not even discuss with them about the proposed budget.

On the gas export issue, he said his party would oppose export of gas.

The statement read out to newsmen said the budget had some certain limitations and suggested some steps to overcome those.

The party leaders present at the press conference included A B M Golam Mustofa, Saifur Rahman, Mahmudul Islam, Shamim Ul Amin, Humayun Kabir Hiru and Quamrul Islam Sajal.