They got rich overnight allegedly through corruption in the last five years. Many of them are alleged to have led organised crime at that time, said a party insider.

A group of incumbent and former leaders of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) who were once officially connected to the Hawa Bhaban have not been coming to the office since launch of the drive against corrupt politicos, added the source.

Most of the leaders of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, Jatiyatabadi Swechhasebak Dal, Krishak Dal and Mohila Dal are holed up now. They once were very close to Tarique Rahman, senior joint secretary general of the BNP, as he was in charge of overseeing the activities of the front organisations.

Azizul Bari Helal, president of JCD, considered the most important wing of the BNP, used to have a lot of clout during the last five years. His name was much discussed for his controversial and aggressive speeches against Awami League President Sheikh Hasina. Still, blessings of Tarique earned him nomination for the now cancelled January 22 election, said JCD sources.

Many other Chhatra Dal leaders who were allegedly involved in crimes on and around the Dhaka University campus are in flight, fearing the forces might catch them.

A central leader of the JCD seeking anonymity told The Daily Star that they would be active in politics again once the BNP high-ups decide to that end. "The party high command has asked us to observe the situation, which is why we are steering clear of the organisation," he added.

Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal President Barkat Ullah Bulu has not visited the party office or the Hawa Bhaban since the joint forces swung into action against corruption. Allegations of corruption against him are rife.

Bulu, who was the adviser for commerce during the BNP-led alliance rule, allegedly amassed a huge fortune through the business syndicates he would lead then.

Some other top Jubo Dal leaders are also at a distance from the Hawa Bhaban and the party office.

"The government has restricted the political activities, and so we are bound to remain inactive. We are however keeping a close eye on how things turn out," said a Judo Dal leader.

Senior leaders of the Swechhasebak Dal, Sramik Dal and Krishak Dal too are not regular at the Hawa Bhaban and their office, as they have many allegations including those of corruption against them.

A number of aides to Tarique, including Hawa Bhaban spokesman Ashik Islam, who would play an important role in the running of the BNP chairperson's office, have taken cover to flee potential action from the caretaker government, said sources.

Ashik has allegations against him of corruption and misusing the post of assistant press secretary to the then prime minister's office.

Former lawmaker Zahir Uddin Swapan widely known as "Hawa Bhaban man" has reportedly left the country, the sources added.

Besides, Siddiqur Rahman Manna, who was dismissed from the post of assistant personal secretary (APS) to the Dhaka city mayor on allegation of corruption, has gone into hiding.

A junior level leader of Dhaka city BNP, Manna earned big bucks, taking advantage of working at the mayor's office.

Meanwhile, leaders and workers of the organisations have yet to get instructions from the BNP high command on the situation following the declaration of emergency by President Iajuddin Ahmed.