People want a change: Amini

"It is a common question in the public mind what is going on. The BNP government is unable to answer this question. It is now clear that people want a change," said the chairman of his faction of the IOJ at an iftar party.

The leader of the Islamic political group, apparently aggrieved failing to have its representation in the cabinet of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, blamed such a predicament on the character of politicians.

The IOJ leader said if the present government could bring a change, it would be good. "But there is no indication that the party would be able to do it."

Amini, who had earlier tendered his resignation from parliament and later backtracked being pacified by the government high-ups, now smelt a rat in the political arena.

Deposed president Ershad had earlier claimed he was the alternative at this moment and now former president Badruddoza Chowdhury came up.

"The symptom is not good...but no change can take place without Islam. If any change takes place without Islam, we'll wage a vigorous Jihad," Amini said.

He suggested that the government take "tough measures" to tackle the "instability" to save people.

Nowadays, said the IOJ leader, people ask whether the four-party alliance would survive.

He regretted that although they had participated in the anti-AL movement and contested election jointly in 2001, it was now clear that the alliance government that they formed was not in power.

"A price has to be paid for not evaluating the IOJ," said Amini, calling it a two-party government.

"It's a two-party government. One of the two parties wants the government to be a two-party one -- they do not want to make it a four-party administration. They know very well that if they leave BNP, they will have nowhere to go to," he said.

Whoever comes to power wants to remain in office forever. "The previous Awami League government also tried it, but failed. If the present government thinks of clinging in power forever, it will be a mistake," he said. Referring to burning of 11 people in Banshkhali, Chowdhury blamed the local legislator for his failure to improve law and order there.

Senior IOJ leaders attended the iftar.