The leader of the IOJ, which formed an electoral coalition with the BNP at the forefront, made the decision to protest what he called the government's reluctance to evaluate his party and excessive facilities to the Jamaat-e-Islami.

The resignation move, thought to be a turn in the coalition politics, stemmed from a discussion between Amini and Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who was presiding over a meeting of the four-party alliance leaders at her office, said highly placed sources.

Amini, speaking first at the meeting that started at 1:30pm, said the government did not evaluate the "role, sacrifice and contribution of the IOJ" during the anti-Awami League movement and last general elections.

The meeting over at about 3:30pm, the IOJ leader rushed to his office and asked two of his aides to send his resignation letter to the deputy speaker's residence, said IOJ sources.

Hours later at another meeting, Prime Minister's Political Secretary Mosaddak Ali informed the IOJ leaders about Khaleda's request for withdrawal of the resignation letter.

The IOJ leaders take the final decision at a Majlish-e-Sura meeting today on whether or not Amini will resign, Mosaddak told The Daily Star last night.

Amini, elected from Brahmanbaria-2 on the BNP plank, was the lone lawmaker from the IOJ, a partner of the ruling alliance. The IOJ has recently split into two factions -- one led by Azizul Haq and the other by Amini.

Earlier, Amini told reporters reflecting on the meeting that the prime minister did not give due importance to the IOJ even after more than two years into the government.

"We fought on the streets together, but you and your government are giving facilities only to Jamaat. You did not include any of us in the cabinet either. Rather you have made two Jamaat leaders ministers. What's wrong with us?" he told reporters in his recollection.

A BNP top leader said the prime minister reminded Amini that before the election, her party asked him to choose between a minister and an MP and he opted to be an MP. Amini was reminded that the promise was kept and he was nominated instead of a popular BNP leader. He was also reportedly told that he was elected MP from a BNP seat and by the vote of BNP men.

Amini replied, "If not me, why don't you select any other from my party?"

At this point, the question of Amini's resignation came up and he expressed his willingness to step down. He however said he would not leave the alliance.

Amini also expressed disappointment at the government's procrastination in withdrawing the "false and politically motivated" cases filed against the IOJ leaders, including Azizul Haq, during the AL rule.

Khaleda reportedly assured him of necessary action to that end.

Amini also launched a sharp attack on Jamaat at the meeting Khaleda called to focus on the present situation of Bangladesh. "It's a controversial party and people do not like it. Our unity with Jamaat was political, not ideological." He said it is now impossible for the IOJ to unite with Jamaat on the political front.

Amini also accused the government of buying books by 'controversial' Jamaat leader late Moududi with state funds. "I don't understand why the government decided to purchase Moududi's books by wasting state money and why his books are being included in the madrassah syllabus."

The IOJ leader alleged that the ministers too have been neglecting his party leaders and some cabinet ministers did not allow IOJ leaders in their rooms.

To back up his claim, he told Khaleda that a cabinet minister asked an IOJ leader to leave his secretariat room. Amini quoted another minister as telling one of the IOJ leaders, "You have no business at the secretariat or in the government. Go do your business elsewhere."

The sources said many, attending the meeting, tried to calm Amini down, but failed.

BNP Secretary General and LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, Health and Family Welfare Minister Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, Land Minister M Shamsul Islam, Jamaat Secretary General and Social Welfare Minister Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujaheed, its central leader Abul Kalam Mohammad Yusuf, Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) Chairman Naziur Rahman Manzur and its Secretary General Kazi Firoz Rashid and IOJ Chairman Azizul Haq attended the meeting.

Commenting on the future of the alliance, Bhuiyan told The Daily Star, "There is no disunity among us. The four-party alliance is very much in existence and it will be consolidated more."

The Jamaat secretary general said there is nothing that might lead the alliance to split.

The alliance leaders at the meeting at the Prime Minister's Office also expressed concern at law and order downslide and price spiral of essentials.

Khaleda told them that the opposition Awami League was engaged in deterioration of law and order in a conspiracy to destabilise the government.

Referring to seizures of huge ammunition and explosives in Bogra, she said the government launched a thorough investigation into the incident. She promised stern action against the persons responsible.

The alliance announced a countrywide demonstration on July 6 to drum up support against "anarchy, crime and destructive activities" by the AL.