Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday issued a stern warning against extortion and tender manipulation by student activists, saying that such acts will no longer be tolerated.

The warning came in the wake of media reports that BCL and Jubo League activists are involved in extortion and tender manipulations in different parts of the country.

"I see news about Chhatra League and others indulging in such activities at different times. I do not want to see such news any more. We'll work hard, but some people will damage our reputation, which cannot be accepted," she told a meeting with local MPs, leaders of the ruling alliance and elite at the Circuit House in Sylhet.

Hasina observed that since she assumed power,

perpetrators who had tortured leaders and workers of Awami League and its front organisations have sneaked into the party and are indulging in misdeeds.

"Such elements must not be accepted. They now seek shelter to save their skin. They will again leave the party at an opportune moment. We don't need them, "she told the party leaders.

Hasina, also the president of Awami League, asked the party leaders to remain alert against JCD and Shibir so that they cannot enter into the party in disguise. Such elements will earn bad name for the party.

About student politics, she said Chhatra League will consist of genuine students and not of 'uncles' or 'Adu Bhais'. Chhatra Dal is being run by 'uncles', but such a situation is not acceptable in Chhatra League, Hasina made it clear to the party leaders.

Discouraging the tendency of vendetta, Hasina said a commission has been set up to collect information about torture, killing and looting carried out during the four-party alliance rule (2001-06).

She said those who have been victimised during that period should furnish information to the commission.

The prime minister said legal action would be taken against the perpetrators and victims would be compensated. "No vengeance, everything will be done lawfully," she said.

Hasina said those who had been in power for 29 years since independence will have to explain to the people as to why the country has failed to achieve the desired development.

"They must answer for the present disastrous state of the country," she asserted.