Besides, in addition to taking permission from the deputy commissioner (DC) for distributing relief materials, the party leaders have to submit a list of relief materials and the names of those who would join the relief work, said several AL leaders.

Many central and grassroots level leaders are in fear that the authorities may ask them to give details of the sources of the materials if relief is given to the flood victims on personal initiative.

Detained AL President Sheikh Hasina has asked her party leaders across the country to come forward to help the flood victims as per their capacity.

The party's acting president Zillur Rahman has also urged the AL leaders and well off people to help the flood victims.

"We will sit in a day or two to discuss how we can help the flood victims," AL's acting general secretary Mukul Bose said yesterday.

Presidium Member Abdur Razzak, who recently distributed relief materials among flood victims in Shariatpur, yesterday demanded that the caretaker government relax the ban on indoor politics so that his party could contribute a lot in helping the flood victims.

"The party could not be involved with the relief work -- with or without banner. How will we unite the party leaders and workers when there is a ban on indoor politics?" said AL Organising Secretary Mahmudur Rahman Manna.

Manna who talked over the ongoing flood with four party colleagues including Abdul Mannan and Sultan Mohammad Mansur Ahmed on Tuesday told The Daily Star that they had discussed what they could do in the present context when the country is witnessing devastating floods.

Sultan Mansur said the party leaders would not spontaneously go for helping the flood victims until the ban on indoor politics is lifted, as they have to collect relief materials and money to help the flood victims.

It is the government's responsibility to help the flood victims and they would assist the government in distributing relief materials, he said.