He resigned from the ruling BNP on September 26 protesting the government's 'failure' to act against the party's coalition partner Jamaat-e-Islami which, he says, bears direct links to different blasts across the country.

Maizbhandari was the international affairs secretary of BNP and former convenor of the Jatiyatabadi Olama Dal, religious wing of the party.

He formally announced the floating of 'Bangladesh Tariqat Federation' (BTF) through a press conference at a city hotel, declaring himself as its chairman.

Maizbhandari said prominent politicians, businessmen, judges and former army officials and secretaries are going to join BTF soon.

He said all the political leaders go to mazars (shrines) seeking blessings before standing in election but when bombs explode in those mazars, they do not express any concern. He accused the Jamaat again of the bomb blasts in mazars.

Formed with a 19-member presidium, 201-member advisory council and 101-member executive committee, the BTF will hold its maiden grand conference at the Paltan Maidan in the city on November 30.

Additional Secretary General of Zaker Party Munshi Abdul Latif also spoke at the press conference, expressing their support to the newly formed party.

Syed Shahjada Golam Chishti, leader of Bangladesh Dargah Mazar Federation, said as a partner of the coalition, Jamaat influenced the home ministry to issue the notification to disallow any religious gathering in mazars.

BTF Secretary General Maulana Zakir Hossain read out a 21-point manifesto of the party. The symbol of BTF would be a garland of yellow flowers.

He said BTF will never form alliance with anti-Liberation War forces.