The party's highest policymaking body National Standing Committee in a press release also urged the government to announce a specific date for holding election without delay under the reconstituted Election Commission to handover power to an elected representative.

A meeting of the committee yesterday discussed the latest political situation and party affairs and termed the massive arrest of political leaders and general people without any specific charges "illogical", said the press release.

The committee, however, did not make any comment on the new rule issued yesterday by the interim government to bar corrupt people from election.

The meeting was held at the party chairperson's office Hawa Bhaban with Khaleda Zia in the chair. All committee members except KM Obiadur Rahman and Chowdhury Tanveer Ahmed Siddique attended the meeting.

Obaidur is undergoing treatment while Tanveer could not attend the meeting because of his son's illness, party leaders told newsmen.

The press release signed by BNP Joint Secretary General Nazrul Islam Khan said, "The meeting expressed deep concern over the demolishing of many legal structures as well as eviction of thousands of poor slum dwellers across the country without proper rehabilitation.

"The meeting also urged the government to keep the prices of essentials, including rice, within the purchasing capacity of the people and take necessary steps to improve law and order," it added.

The committee protested "misinformation" against the country's political parties and their workers to create confusion in people's mind. It hoped that the authorities concerned and the process of prosecution will not be influenced by those "motivated propagandas".

In its last meeting of the National Standing Committee on January 14--following the imposition of the state of emergency--the BNP demanded the election as early as possible.