Reiterating his earlier stance, he said they would complete all preparations for holding the party council to implement the reform proposals and announce its date with the consent of party Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

"We are now mobilising support from the councillors and also from outside the party for our reform proposals, and we are getting huge positive response," Mannan Bhuiyan told reporters yesterday at his Gulshan residence in the capital.

In reply to a question, he said, "We are working hard for holding the council as soon as possible."

In compliance with the party constitution, they will seek permission of the party chairperson for holding the council, Bhuiyan said.

"We will decide later on, " he replied when asked what they will do if the chairperson does not give her consent.

Bhuiyan, a former LGRD and cooperatives minister, on June 25 announced draft reform proposals for changes in party constitution to make the party more democratic.

Later, he also announced a comprehensive proposal to make parliament effective, ensure good governance and form a national security council.

According to BNP sources, party leaders are almost divided over the reform issue as Bhuiyna-led group wants to implement reforms by holding council as soon as possible.

But Khaleda Zia has expressed her resentment over the activities of Bhuiyan-led group.

Terming pro-reform leaders betrayers during a teleconference with leaders of Australia chapter of BNP recently, she alleged some of her party leaders are conspiring to split the party in the name of reforms.

The former prime minister said she also wants reforms in the party, and is preparing proposals for this. But those will be finalised at the council to be held after withdrawal of the ban on indoor politics, she added.

Pro-reform leaders however told reporters time and gain that they cannot wait for long and will seek permission from the party chief and the government for holding the council soon.

They are planning to hold the council keeping the party chairperson away if she does not consent to it, party sources pointed out.