The Awami League Central Working Committee (ALCWC) yesterday observed that rowdy activities by a section of AL men across the country have harmed the reputation of both the party and government.

Addressing the meeting at AL President Sheikh Hasina's political office in Dhanmondi, members of the ALCWC, the highest policy making body of the party, recommended the premier immediately go for damage-control.They noted undesirable incidents of Natore, Pabna and Moghbazar; statement by the health adviser to the premier on recruiting party men in health service, media bashing by ministers and MPs in the House, some lawmakers' autocratic activities in different places and tender manipulation by Bangladesh Chhatra League and Jubo League have tarnished the image of the government.

The AL central leaders also drew attention of Prime Minister Hasina about the price hike of essentials and power, water and gas crisis.

They slated some lawmakers including Golam Mowia Roni and Badiur Rahman Bodi for theirunlawftilness.

They suggested the premier maintain good relations with the media instead of going against it.

Hasina warned her party lawmakers of losing nominations in the next parliamentary polls if they do not distance themselves from unlawful activities and behave in their respective areas.

"I've information on what the lawmakers and ministers are doing. They won't get nomination if they fail to act properly, ” the AL chief told the meet -ing.

She said the AL leaders and workers should not lose patience amid criticism over the activities of the government and the party. "There shall be discussion and criticism while running the state," she told the meeting.

The AL chief said soon the grassroots leaders would be called to know about the party's condition at different tiers. The committees of some organisational districts will also be announced soon, she said.

Hasina urged the party workers across the country to give information about the BNP-Jamaat's torture on AL men in between 2001 and 2006 to the national commission.

The prime minister told the meeting that embankments in the costal areas, which have been badly damaged in yesterday's costal tides, would be repaired in the coming winter to ease public suffering. She said the affected people would get government relief soon, meeting sources toldThe Daily Star.

Briefing the newsmen after the meeting, AL General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam said the ALCWC meeting emphasised strengthening the countrywide drive to recruit party members and quickening the trial of war criminals.

He said the meeting decided to hold grand rallies in each divisional headquarters to drum up public support for the war crimes trial.

He said the grassroots level leaders, first from Cox's Bazar, would start talking to the prime minister on September 19. Later Rangamati, Bandarban, and Khagrachhari leaders will talk to the premier followed by other district leaders gradually, Ashraf added. Organisational matters, law and order situation will come up for discussion at those meetings, he said.

The ALCWC meeting decided to pick one candidate in each municipality and union parishad for the upcoming polls.

Later at night, Sheikh Hasina held another meeting with AL organising secretaries to discuss core organisational matters.