"What Jamaat is saying about Jatiya Party's inclusion into the four-party alliance is not important. The important thing is what Khaleda Zia says on the issue," Ershad said.

"The election is a constitutional process and it will take place on time, no matter Jamaat participates or not," he told journalists after addressing a discussion meeting styled "Role of Politicians in Investment" in the capital yesterday.

Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) organised the discussion presided over by BCI President AK Azad.

The ruling BNP has taken initiatives to expand the existing four-party alliance by having JP-Ershad in a bid to ensure victory in the upcoming general elections. But BNP's main ally Jamaat has been opposing the move, fearing it might cut its influence on the ruling party.

Ershad said the JP will take part in the next election but did not mention in how many constituencies his party will contest.

"We have discussed the matter with the four-party alliance, but the distribution of parliamentary seats among the parties is yet to be finalised," he said.

"We have our own strategy for the next election. The distribution of seats between Jatiya Party and the four-party coalition will be declared after discussions and reaching an agreement with the alliance."

Asked how many seats the JP will demand to the alliance, Ershad smiled and said, "We may take part in all the 300 constituencies."

He criticised the government for failing to ensure uninterrupted supply of gas, power and other facilities to the country's industries.

The overthrown president said the country's overall infrastructure has been destroyed after his rule.

"The country's economic performance has been deteriorating day by day. It is very unfortunate that the present government has failed to generate even one megawatt electricity during its five-year time," he said.

JP Secretary General Ruhul Amin Howladar, industry and commerce adviser Golam Sarwar Milon, Presidium members Abdus Sattar, Aminul Islam and MA Gaffar were present at the briefing.