Meanwhile, dissident leader also party Secretary General Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan told journalists that he hopes his chairperson will refrain from making negative comments about the dissidents 'for the greater interest of the party'.

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia in teleconferences with her party leaders recently branded the dissidents led by Bhuiyan as 'conspirators' who are 'hatching conspiracies in the name of reforms'. She also labelled Bhuiyan as a 'leftist' and an 'atheist', who is plotting to split the party.

"Such comments are absolutely unexpected and unwanted," Bhuiyan told reporters yesterday in his Gulshan residence in the capital.

Khaleda loyalist Hannan meanwhile told newsmen at a news briefing in his Mohakhali residence in the capital, "The party council will take the final decision on the issues of election and the party chairperson, but I think all the leaders and workers are united around the position that no council or election will be held excluding the party chief."

"The party council will not be held with someone's generosity under a state of emergency," he said while lambasting the dissident leaders for their remarks that their chairperson still favours having a dynasty in the party.

Hannan Shah criticised the dissident leaders for 'spreading misinformation about the party chief's remarks', and said she did not make any comment which might be construed as favouring a dynasty in the party.

Ashraf Hossain, a close aide to dissident leader Mannan Bhuiyan, on Thursday told reporters that Khaleda Zia still supports her dynasty in the party. He also said they do not give any credence to Hannan Shah's comments as he is not the spokesperson of the party.

Rebutting Ashraf Hossain's remarks Hannan Shah retorted, "She [Khaleda] is more sincere about the party than others, she made great contributions to the organisation, and she is more successful as a leader than others."

"Is he [Ashraf] a spokesman of the party?" Hannan asked adding, "I am the party chief's adviser and I am speaking in the capacity of her spokesman with directions from her."

"They [dissident leaders] wanted to implement the so-called minus theory by sending Khaleda Zia abroad," Hannan said adding that most of the leaders, workers and supporters of the party are united behind the chairperson.

Asked to comment on Hannan's remarks, dissident Secretary General Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan just said, "We will see about it later."

Bhuiyan also urged the authorities concerned to take necessary preparations for post flood rehabilitation of the affected people and asked his party members and sympathizers to come forward to help the victims.

When asked about their preparation for the party council, he said, "The preparation is on."

Hannan Shah, during his news briefing, also expressed resentments at the activities of the Election Commission, as in his words, 'the commission is working very slowly'. "They could hold the national election very quickly if they wanted to," he quipped.