Hinting at the party chairperson Khaleda Zia, they also said anti-reform elements in the party want to destroy the unity of the party.

"The ones who do not believe in reforms will not last in politics," said ZA Khan, adviser to BNP chairperson.

Khan also said they are working toward implementing the reform proposal as it aims to make the party more democratic.

The pro-reform leaders, wishing to hold a party council by August, claimed that majority of BNP activists as well as the councillors have spontaneously joined hands with them.

When asked about the fate of the council in case the party chief is arrested, they said the council with reform agenda will be held whether Khaleda Zia is arrested or not.

Earlier on Monday, during a teleconference with the Jubo Dal leaders in Germany, Khaleda Zia claimed that the people and followers of BNP are behind her, but some people are conspiring to tear the party apart under the guise of reforms.

Ashraf Hossain, a pro-reform leader and joint secretary general of the party, refuted Khaleda's claim and urged her not to make any provocative comment that might create division in the party. "It's not fair.... They [anti-reform activists] will destroy the unity among the party activists if they brand us conspirators."

"We want to see unity and would not do anything that might harm the party," he added.

The party council is likely to be held in August, Ashraf said following a meeting at BNP secretary general Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan's Gulshan residence.

A number of BNP leaders met with Bhuiyan yesterday to discuss issues regarding the council and the latest situation in the country.

When asked about the rumour of Khaleda Zia's possible arrest, Ashraf said," Why should she be arrested? I cannot say anything beforehand."