Mojibur Rahman Monju, an expelled Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami leader, came up with the announcement at a press conference at a city hotel on Saturday.
He said they have already formed five committees to launch the new party with a slogan 'Jana Akhankhar Bangladesh'.
Monju, who is working as a coordinator of the platform, said like-minded people working both at home and abroad have been included in the five committees to form the new party with a 19-point programme.
On February 16, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami expelled its policy-making body Majlish-e-Shura member Monju, from the party for what the party said violating its discipline and engaging in anti-organisational activities.
On February 15, Jamaat assistant secretary general Barrister Abdur Razzaq sent his resignation letter from the UK to the party Ameer saying that the party have failed to apologise for its anti-liberation war role in 1971 and reform the organistion based on reality.
Monju, also an ex-president of Jamaat’s student body Islami Chhatra Shibir, said their party would not be an Islamist one as representation of all communities will be there in it. “Our party will be an open and acceptable platform for all, irrespective of caste, creed, sex and religion.”
He said developing human capability, achieving excellence, creating jobs and removing unbecoming barriers to private and individual initiatives will the their principles to form the party. “We’ll work out our economic plan giving the highest importance to protecting life, nature and biodiversity.”
The ex-Jamaat leader claimed that those engaged with their initiative are not followers of any customary political party or trend. “It’s totally an independent and distinct initiative. We don’t have any relation with any existing political party, including Jamaat. We’ll surely form a new political party.”
Monju said their party will truly be an inclusive one which will take political programmes to build a positive Bangladesh.
He said they will announce later the name, structure, work plans, goals and programmes of the new party through discussions.
Monju called upon people of all walks of life to stand by them and help them with suggestions and criticism considering their goal and attitude instead of questioning their personal identities and capability.
Sought his comment about reform in Jamaat, he declined to make any comment. “We don’t want to talk about the past. No we want to focus on our current thoughts.”
In his written speech, Monju, however, said Jamaat always ignored the demand for taking responsibility for its role in the Liberation War and steps for redemption of the historic wound. “We believe the post-71 generation shouldn’t bear the burden of such a political stance.”
He also claimed that ex-Jamaat leader Barrister Abdur Razzaq has no involvement with their initiative to form the new party.
Monju also said there is no support from the ruling Awami League behind their initiative either.
Tajul Islam, a top member of the defence team of war crimes accused Jamaat-e-Islami leaders, announced to be involved with Monju.
Speaking at the press conference, he claimed that though he gave Jamaat leaders legal support, he had no involvement with the party.
Prof Dilara Choudhury and ex-state minister Nazimuddin Al-Azad were, among others present.