In the wake of anti-crime drives that have seen a huge number of BNP loyalists held across the country, the party high command is now seeking to dispel fear among its ranks.

The BNP high-ups are worried that the ongoing drives, if continued for long, would weaken the organisation and can bring in ah

election debacle for it, said insiders.

They added that anxieties are creeping into the minds of its leaders and workers alike due to repeated raids and captures, and as a result the organisational strength might as well be on the wane soon.

Many of its leaders from the top echelons to the grassroots level have gone underground as the law enforcement agencies and the armed forces continue raiding their houses.

Against this backdrop, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia met the leaders of different front organisations and called on them to strengthen the organisation braving the adverse situation.

Secretary General Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan too has been in contact with the field-level leaders. He has been inspiring them not to lose heart.

At a meeting with the leaders of Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal on Thursday, the BNP chairperson said none but the people's repre-

sentatives would govern the country and those days are not far off. The immediate past prime minister advised her followers to stay prepared to play their part as an organised force.

Earlier, she talked to the leaders of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal and Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha about what should be their role in the prevailing conditions.

"The party chief has asked us to keep close contact with the grassroots level leaders so that, they don't get demoralised in the changed situation," a Jubo Dal leader told The Daily Star in return foranonymity.

Besides, Tarique Rahman, senior jointsecretary general of the BNR met the leaders and workers at Hawa Bhaban on several occasions in the last few days. He is trying to keep in touch with the district level leaders in a bid to steady their nerves, said the sources. The BNP did not give any formal reactions to the recent developments including the declaration of state of emergency and activities of the new caretaker administration with Fakhruddin Ahmed at the helm.

However, the standing committee and the four-party alliance had met and issued statements urging the authorities concerned not to harass any innocent and lawabiding citizen.