Prime Minister's Political Assistant Rashed Khan on Tuesday said the downfall of opposition party Jamaat-e-Islami had already begun, claiming the party was struggling to prevent divisions within its own alliance.

Speaking at a discussion titled "Unity, Not Division, for Building a Just and Discrimination-Free Society" at the National Press Club in the capital, Rashed questioned the existence of the Jamaat-led electoral alliance.

"They are holding divisional rallies under the banner of an 11-party alliance. But does that 11-party alliance even exist anymore? Now it is a nine-party alliance. You cannot even stop your own alliance from breaking apart. Your downfall has already begun," he said.

Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee attended the programme as the chief guest. The event was organised by Amra Bangladeshi.

Rashed alleged that those who "did not support Bangladesh's independence or accept its map" had now become the parliamentary opposition.

"It is a matter of great shame for the nation," he said.

"They are doing politics in Bangladesh and have got the opportunity to do so for various reasons. But can the country's sovereignty be safe in the hands of those who never believed in the birth of Bangladesh? It can never be safe," he added.

Responding to what he described as Jamaat's ambition to topple the BNP-led government, Rashed said the party should first focus on its own problems.

"They say they will bring down the BNP government. I would say, stop your own downfall first. The people have already understood your propaganda," he said.

He also criticised the performance of Jamaat lawmakers in parliament, alleging that their conduct had shown what the party would do if it came to power.

Addressing the audience, he questioned whether Jamaat would be capable of governing the country if the BNP government were to fall.

"If the BNP government falls, who will come to power? Jamaat-e-Islami? Can they run the state? Haven't you seen the performance of their MPs?" he said.

Without naming anyone, Rashed alleged that some opposition lawmakers had been involved in inappropriate conduct, including one case involving a minor, and said such incidents raised serious questions about the party's fitness to govern.

He said the BNP believes in unity, unlike Jamaat.

Rashed also said he respected Muhammad Yunus but alleged that Yunus had once pursued a "minus formula" aimed at excluding the BNP from politics.

He further alleged that Jamaat had wanted to install the National Citizen Party (NCP) in power and therefore did not support holding elections in February.

"The election was secured through public demand," he said.

He also criticised the opposition for threatening another uprising, saying such a move was unrealistic.