The leaders, at a views-exchange meeting with the prime minister at her Hare Road office, said many people lost everything to ITCL and it will be a factor in next elections. They said the government should take initiative to return the people's money immediately.

They also said the government could not fulfil all the pledges it had made before the 2001 elections. They said this would be harmful to their election strategy and requested her to ensure that the prices of essentials including fuel do not increase.

"We requested her to take necessary steps and return the people's money which ITCL had looted," Abdul Khaleque Mandol, president of Bhuapur BNP, told reporters after the meeting.

The prime minister told them that she would take steps against ITCL. She asked party leaders to take preparations for the elections and enhance mass communication.

"Leaders and workers would guard the polling centres in next election," she said adding, "All should work together so that we have victory in the election."

In yesterday's meeting, 48 leaders from Tangail, including five MPs, met the party chief and informed her about the present political situation, the ruling party's position and the ongoing development activities in their areas.

While briefing newsman, BNP Secretary General Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan said they are 'hopeful about winning all the eight seats of Tangail in the upcoming polls'.

BNP General Secretary of Ghatail upazila Sirajul Islam Sentu told reporters that the people's demand for gas supply is yet to be met. "It is important for us to win the hearts people," he added.