The IOJ came up with the decision at a Majlish-e-Sura meeting on putting off the resignation move, said IOJ sources.

"We sought appointment with the prime minister within a week to put forward our issues. The resignation will be withdrawn, if our demands are addressed," said IOJ Senior Vice-chairman Muhiuddin Khan.

He told reporters that the meeting of Majlish-e-Sura, the highest policymaking body of the IOJ, reviewed all aspects of Amini's decision to step down from parliament and concluded that his move was correct.

Amini was also present at the meeting that decided to send a seven-member high-powered delegation to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to push for implementation of their demands. The IOJ contacted Prime Minister's Political Secretary Mosaddak Ali for an appointment with her.

The IOJ, part of the ruling four-party alliance, splintered into two -- one led by Azizul Haq and the other by Amini.

Sura members think the IOJ has been facing 'disregard and neglect' by the government, and most cabinet members have been undermining IOJ leaders and activists, Muhiuddin alleged.

"Amini's decision to resign from parliament was an outburst of his pent-up feelings. We respect his sentiments and the decision. Amini did not make the decision to resign to become a minister," he said.

Amini, the IOJ chairman, told newsmen that he accepted the Sura decision. "I tendered my resignation on my own and now it is the Majlish-e-Sura to decide whether or not I will resign."

The IOJ vice-chairman recalled that it was a collective commitment to stand against the Awami League, hold general elections and form government together, but the government gradually sidelined the IOJ after coming to power. "Nowadays the government does not even consult with us for any decision," he complained.

Over the last two years, no IOJ leader has been appointed to any government post, although the party was out on the streets together with others during every movement, he said.

Muhiuddin took a swipe at the Jamaat-e-Islami, another component of the alliance, and alleged that the social welfare ministry slashed its grants for orphanage centres, as Jamaat Secretary General Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujaheed is its minister.

He further accused the minister of providing only Jamaat-backed orphanages with grants and of approving funds upon recommendations from Jamaat activists. "To get government grants, the orphanages have to have Jamaat supporters... we cannot accept this policy," he said.

Muhiuddin also blamed Jamaat for including Moududi's books in madrassah syllabus and listing them as references.

The social welfare minister ruled out the allegation and said it is not wise to make any divide between Jamaat and non-Jamaat orphanages.

About the IOJ allegation against ministers of neglect to its leaders and activists, Mujaheed said the prime minister instructed all ministers to do job until 2:00pm and meet visitors on a prior appointment basis. "I follow her instructions strictly." He also denied the allegation of carrying out party activities in his ministry.

On introduction of Moududi's books in the madrassah syllabus, he said, "As far as I know, no book of Moududi has been introduced as yet. Moududi's books can be listed as references with the books of other important writers."