BNP spokesperson Asaduzzaman Ripon today claimed that there is no idealistic relation between BNP and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami as their relation is based on electoral politics.

“BNP does politics by following Ziaur Rahman’s ideal and his philosophy, while Jamaat does politics on the basis of its own ideal,” Ripon told a press conference at the party’s Naya Paltan central office.

The press conference was organised following instructions from the party’s high-command amid the backdrop of growing criticism that BNP’s politics has become dependent on Jamaat.

About the BNP-Jamaat relation, Ripon explained that an umbrella is required during rain; so as BNP’s relation with Jamaat.

“It [BNP’s tie with Jamaat] was the reality of time and the relation is only electoral and strategic. Awami League also backtracked from Bangabandhu’s dream of Baksal and returned to Awami League again during Ziaur Rahman’s period,” he added.

Asked, if BNP is facing any pressure to thrash Jamaat, Ripon said he was not aware of any such pressure.

“There is Nap (Bhasani), Shamyabadi Dal and other political parties as well in the 20-party alliance. But that does not necessarily mean that BNP is doing communist politics. This is just electoral and political nexus.”

BNP Standing Committee Member Lt Gen (retd) Mahbubur Rahman said, “It’s now the international sentiment that BNP should trash Jamaat. The issue is also now being discussed within our party. I think the party will take a positive decision to this end after a discussion at the party forum.”

Mahbub said he does not think BNP has been benefited with its alliance with Jamaat. Instead, BNP’s association with Jamaat has created a scope for the government and others to malign BNP because of the Islamist party’s anti-liberation war image.

BNP insiders said Khaleda has been facing growing pressure from inside the party to abandon Jamaat from the alliance. A section of pro-BNP intellectuals have also given her advice to desert Jamaat to restore its image as a moderate democratic party.

In that case, Khaleda might bring the sensitive issue before the party’s highest policy level meeting before making a final decision to snap its tie with Jamaat, added the source.