The fresh push for a berth in the cabinet came after Fazlul Haq Amini, lawmaker of the Islami Oikya Jote (IOJ), another alliance partner, threatened to step down from the Jatiya Sangsad, if party demands are not met.

With the declaration of Amini's resignation, the Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), with Naziur Rahman Manzur at the helm, quickened its efforts for incorporation of its top leader in the government.

"If the prime minister appoints Amini as a cabinet member this time, the Bangladesh Jatiya Party will get another chance for bargaining," said a top alliance leader requesting anonymity. "So the prime minister has to take cautious steps," he added.

BJP Secretary General Kazi Firoz Rashid told The Daily Star yesterday that his party was continuing discussion with the BNP to reach an amicable settlement of the issue.

"As a partner of the alliance, we are demanding representation to the government," said Firoz Rashid.

In a joint statement, the leaders of BJP Dhaka city unit and several of its front organisations demanded inclusion of Naziur Rahman in the government and recognition of the IOJ leadership to fulfil election pledges.

The BJP's fresh demand came ahead of the July 6 rally and procession of the ruling alliance against the 'anarchy' of the opposition Awami League. The BJP leaders reminded the BNP that it might be difficult for them to express solidarity with the nationalist forces, as frustration has surfaced among them.

"We are concerned that the four-party coalition government did not come as promised. The pre-election pledge by top alliance leaders of forming a government together has not been fulfilled yet," the statement said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister's Political Secretary-2 Mosaddak Ali told The Daily Star last night that he would talk to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia today for an appointment the IOJ sought to put forward its demands. The prime minister's positive decision on the charter of their demands will clear the way for Amini to backtrack on his resignation move.

Mosaddak hoped Amini's attempted resignation from parliament would not create any split in the alliance.

Over the last couple of days, the IOJ has launched sharp attacks on the Jamaat-e-Islami, the alliance's second major constituent, now accused of winning favour from the BNP.

The IOJ has recently protested the inclusion of Jamaat leader late Abul Ala Moududi's books in madrassah curricula.

But the Jamaat acting ameer, Moulana KM Yusuf, told The Daily Star yesterday that other partner's grievances against the Jamaat are unexpected. "We're just a junior partner in the coalition."

Sources in the alliance said Amini's declaration of resignation and his statement affected the coalition government's image.