Like BNP and other opposition parties. Jatiya Party (M-M) is also preparing for the next parliamentary polls keeping both options of facing the election alone or with an electoral alliance open.

Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury and Anwar Hossain Manju, the communications minister in Sheikh Hasina's "consensus government" head the 101-member JP central committee, with 21 Presidium members.

The party Insiders Informed that the party has almost completed the formation of its front organisations and committees at district level since its formal split with former president HM Ershad-led Jatiya Party on April 24 last year. So far. it has formed seven of its wings and committees in 54 out of 72 political districts.

A top party leader told The Daily Star yesterday that it has decided to examine the possibility of Joining in any electoral combine only after having selected its own candidates for all the 300 parliamentary constituencies.

He. however, said the party will definitely join any electoral alliance provided It’s formed by pro-liberation

The leader said the party has already selected candidates for 80 seats and will begin interviewing leaders from August 16 to 20 to select the candidates for the remaining constituencies.

Another party leader said the party also decided to give nominations to those aspirants of Awami League. BNP. JP (Ershad) who will not be selected by their respective parties.

He said the party wants to contest In the next election alone with the objective of strengthening its organisational structure and network across the country.

"We have the capability to win in at least fifteen seats even If we contest alone." the leader said and hoped that the JP (M-M) will do better than the JP (Ershad). The leader said the party currently has the strength <>f 12 MPs In the Jatlva Sangsad.

Party sources said the hierarchy has Instructed leaders and activists at all levels to gear up organisational activities side by side with preparing for the next general election. But the party Tias no plan to go for any anti-government agitation.

An innuentlal leader of the JP said party Chairman Miza-nur Rahman Chowdhuiv will contest from Chandpur. Secretary-General Anwar Hossain Manju from four constituencies at Barguna, Jhalokathi, Piro-jpur and Bagerhat. additional secretary general Monirul Haq Chowdhury from Comilla. joint secretary general Sadeq Sid-dique from Tangall. Sharfuddin Ahmed Jhantu and Nur Mohammad Mandal from Rangpur. Tajul Islam Chowdhury and Mostafizur Rahman from Kurigram. Golam Faruque Ovee from Barlsal, Hafizur Rahman Pramanik and Advocate Fazle Rabbi from Gaibandha, and Tasmima Hossain from Pirojpur.

Joint secretary-general Sadeq Siddique said yesterday the district committees have been asked to send name of possible party candidates and popular personalities in the locality.

Replying to a question, he said the JP will definitely form an electoral alliance with the Awami League and other proliberation forces if the ultrarightist alliance of BNP. JP (Ershad). Jamaat and Islami Oikya Jote contest the polls in the form of a combine.

However, another party leader said the leadership has already had informal talks with some top leaders of main opposition BNP. The party will finalise its strategy once the caretaker government takes over power.