AL President Sheikh Hasina is likely to meet the central leaders this week to discuss preparations for the International Mother Language Day (21 February). At the meeting, she will hear from her party colleagues and give them directions on what to do and expect in the largely uncharted context, sources said.

The AL-led 14-party alliance too will sit soon to finalise its strategy for the way things have panned out in recent times. The meeting might follow alliance Convener Abdul Jalil's return from the UK.

Meanwhile, a number of AL leaders have welcomed the joint forces' ongoing drive against the corrupt politicians, businessmen, criminals and their godfathers and Dr Yunus' intent to join politics.

Talking to The Daily Star, AL Presidium Member Suranjit Sengupta said they are observing the situation. On the possibility of Dr Yunus joining politics, he said they would welcome if he comes into politics.

"Still, I think he would better play a robust role in peace and conflict resolution in South Asia," observed the AL leader.

AL Acting General Secretary Obaidul Quader said, " I think it would be good for politics if persons of his [Yunus'] calibre joins the ranks. We need qualified and educated people for a qualitative change in politics," Quader said adding that at the end of the day the people will decide whether to accept or reject the Nobel laureate.

Both the leaders said the caretaker government should arrest the criminals and their godfathers, corrupt politicians and businessmen on specific charges.

"We have always wanted arrest of criminals and their godfathers and the corrupt ones. We'd still demand the caretaker government round up those who are corrupt no matter which party they belong to," said Quader.

AL sources said the party command has instructed its mid- and grassroots- level leaders to avoid being captured while the top leaders have been asked to surrender if the law enforcers request them to do so.

Many of the leaders and workers have gone into hiding after the recent crackdown on the political leaders accused of corruption. All the top leaders of the AL's front organisations have been holed up and waiting for the party chief's instructions on the future course of action, added the sources.

The former lawmakers and the prospective candidates for the next elections however have been asked to keep in contact with the constituents.

"We have instructions to be in touch with the people. And for that, we take part in different social programmes as there is no political activities under the state of emergency," said former AL lawmaker Tanjim Ahmed Sohel Taj.

Welcoming the arrest, he called on the CG to create an environment free of corruption, black money influence and criminal activities so that the honest and competent ones could make meaningful contributions to the welfare of the nation. He said he is ready to welcome Dr Yunus in politics.