Ruling BNP policymakers are thinking of closing down 'Hawa Bhaban' and axing some ministers among a series of steps to boost its image and avert political crisis like the one over opposition Awami League's (AL) April 30 deadline.

Higlily placed sources said BNP hierarchy has plans to take five major steps including trimming the

jumbo council of ministers, sacking ministers facing allegations of corruption and barring relatives of 'several ministers' from sealing big business deals and closure of Hawa Bhaban.

Measures to bring AL back to parliament and an organisational revamp with special moves to resolve intra-party conflicts are the other steps. There have been serious allegations of corruption by some ministers and their relatives and Hawa Bhaban, BNP chairperson's office, also known as the alternative powerhouse.

Most of the senior ministers and policymakers think 'half of the blames' that the government now faces will go if it is closed down.

The policymakers believe the party's image will greatly improve if the government downsizes the council of ministers to one of 35 to 40 members, removes ministers having corruption allegations against them and close down Hawa Bhaban.

They are also of the view that the government needs to boost its relations with the opposition parties, particularly the Awami League, make them confident of returning to the Jatiya Sangsad.

"I think bringing back the Awami League (to parliament) is not an impossible task ... It would be wise of the government to urgently initiate a dialogue for ensuring Awami League's return to parliament during the budget session," said a member of BNP standing committee and a cabinet minister, asking not to be named.

He said there are 'at least half a dozen state ministers who have no work to do' and 'it's about time they were removed'. Some ministers and state ministers, against whom there are specific corruption charges and intelligence reports, may be sacked immediately, he added.

Some ministers may have their portfolios changed and 'one or two state ministers' be promoted on their 'good performance', the minister added.