The AL raised question if it was written by Jalil himself while the BNP described as contradictory the letter where the leader of its arch rival has begged for release and said if necessary he was ready to quit politics.

In the petition made public by his wife Thursday Jalil also blasted AL President Sheikh Hasina for what he said was her dictatorial leadership.

Talking to The Daily Star, former adviser to the caretaker government Sultana Kamal said, "Abdul Jalil was the general secretary of an age-old political party. I find it difficult to appreciate the way he has quit politics."

She said she doubts if he has taken the decision independently. It would be very unfortunate if it turns out that he has decided to retire from politics, giving in to any pressure, added the rights activist.

"If the politicians continue caving in to pressures, then people will lose faith in them and as a result, democracy will be at stake," she observed.

AL Presidium Member Ataur Rahman Khan Kaiser yesterday questioned the authenticity of the letter. He said he wonders how anyone can be sure that Jalil himself has written it.

BNP Standing Committee Member Let Gen (retd) Mahbubur Rahman said he thinks Jalil's decision bodes well for the country's politics.

He said it might help many others realise that it was their failure not to contribute to politics in a positive way and that they were involved in misdeeds and so they would better throw in the towel.

"Abdul Jalil has admitted his failures, and I think it's a good sign," Rahman, an ex-army chief told The Daily Star.

"At least now we have an example in him of someone leaving politics voluntarily. This will help bring back the congenial atmosphere and carry forward the reform initiative," noted the pro-reform BNP leader.

Replying to a query, he said as copies of the letter were distributed by none but Jalil's wife, there should not be any room for thinking otherwise.

Transparency International Bangladesh Chairman Prof Muzaffer Ahmad said there might have been some family pressure on the AL general secretary to quit politics. He might have taken the decision in the interest of the family and on health grounds.

Muzaffer said he cannot say if there was any pressure on Jalil from any quarters. It cannot be known for sure until the AL leader himself makes it clear after his release.

He however observed that what Jalil has said about the practices within the party is true. He might have made those things public now that he wants to call it a day.

BNP Joint Secretary General Ashraf Hossain termed the petition contradictory. "He [Jalil] has said he will help the government in the reform process if he's given an opportunity in future, which I think is contradictory," said Ashraf, a former whip.

"If he has really decided to leave politics, then how come he expects to assist the caretaker government in carrying out reforms?" he questioned.

"It is entirely the government's responsibility to prove if the letter is genuine or not," said Ashraf.

Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) Chairman Naziur Rahman Manju said it was his [Jalil's] personal matter.

He however demanded that the caretaker government clarify if the letter was written by Jalil.

"The government should confirm if the signature was his or a fake one," the BJP leader told The Daily Star.