The chiefs and senior leaders of the ruling coalition yesterday agreed to raise the parliament seats to 450 including 50 reserved for women from 300 in line with the rising population.

AL General Secretary Abdul Jalil smelt ill motives behind the step. "We think they (the ruling coalition) have some evil purposes as the decision was taken unilaterally. The ultimate aim is to demarcate constituencies in such a way so that the four-party voters in coalition's marginal seats increase."

Jalil was also critical of the idea of keeping 50 reserved seats for women.

"The Awami League as well as women organisations have been campaigning for direct elections to women seats," he pointed out.

President of Gono Forum Dr Kamal Hossain said the increase in the seat number is rational because of population growth. However, he believes this should be done through a national consensus.

"Since a constitutional amendment is required to implement the decision, a national consensus is also an imperative," Dr Kamal, also the framer of the constitution, said.

On women's representation in parliament, he said, "Women deserve to be directly elected to their seats. We will give our detailed observation once official process starts on the decision."

Chairman of a faction of the Jatiya Party HM Ershad also agreed on expansion of parliamentary seats in proportion to population growth. However, he said the issue must be discussed in parliament and public opinion taken.

He also feared the move might be a four-party ploy to increase their vote banks in marginal seats.

Ershad also demanded direct elections to the reserved seats for women. He said the idea of reserved seats would preclude competent women lawmakers.

President of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) Manjurul Ahsan Khan also opposed the decision to increase the seats. "Nowhere in the world would such a major constitutional amendment be made without extensive consultation with other political parties."

The Workers Party of Bangladesh President Rashed Khan Menon said, "The constitution belongs to the people. Such a decision without consulting other parties is unacceptable."

"It is mandatory to consult the people before making such an important move," Menon added.

Hasanul Haq Inu, president of a faction of the Jatiya Samjtantrik Dal (JSD), however finds the move logical. "Any increase in seats in accordance with the growth in population should be scientific."

"If the expansion is done without a general consensus or scientific regulation, a new government can revert the act," he said.