A 12-member delegation of the party, led by Roushan Ershad, met Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at her office in the afternoon and gave the assurance.

"We're against all destructive activities that run counter to the constitution and parliamentary democracy," the JP delegation told the prime minister.

But an apparent divide surfaced in the party centring Jatiya the meeting.

Most of the 14 lawmakers of the party met the prime minister and exchanged views on the political situation and development in their constituencies, but

front-ranking deputy GM Qader, brother of Ershad, did not turn up at the meeting.

"I didn't go as I felt it is not the time to meet the prime minister in view of the political situation," Qader said last night. "My opinion is that people might misunderstand us if we sit with her at this time."

But Golam Habib Dulal, said they met the premier with the consent of party Chairman HM Ershad. He said they had a two-hour meeting with Ershad on Wednesday and decided some points would be discussed with the prime minister.

Ershad, who is out of the capital, could not be reached for comments.

At the meeting with Khaleda, the JP legislators appreciated various steps of the government for development and consolidation of democracy.

Briefing newsmen on the meeting, Prime Minister's Political Secretary Harris Chowdhury said the JP lawmakers praised the recent government decisions to waive accumulated interest on agricultural loans, disburse fresh credit without collateral and reduce the rate of interest on agricultural loans.

The lawmakers said they would work in their constituencies so that farmers could benefit from the government measures.

The prime minister assured them of all cooperation and said the government "believes in balanced development of the country".

She reiterated her call for keeping the Jatiya Sangsad effective and thanked the JP legislators for taking part in parliamentary proceedings.

Twelve lawmakers who met the premier are; Roushan Ershad, M Hafizuddin Ahmed, M Mujibur Rahman, M Moshiur Rahman Ranga, Mohammad Ali Sarkar, Karimuddin Bharasha, Shah Mohammad Solaiman Alam, Noor Mohammad Mondol, Tajul Islam Chowdhury, M Motiur Rahman, M Golam Habib Dulal and TIM Fazle Rabbi Chowdhury.