"The situation is not yet suitable for taking action against the corrupt, black money holders and criminals in the party. Action will be taken against them when the atmosphere is created," AL General Secretary Abdul Jalil said yesterday.

Talking to reporters at his Mercantile Bank office, Jalil said AL is the only party that believes in reforms and practises democracy. He said, "Reforms have been a continuous process in the Awami League since its formation."

Jalil said, "We first placed the reform proposals before the nation. We hope the caretaker government will take necessary steps to implement those proposals" which will restore and strengthen the country's democracy.

He said decisions on the reform issue will be taken in the party forum under Sheikh Hasina's leadership who is the "symbol of unity" in the party.

The AL leader said the caretaker government should transfer power to an elected government as early as possible through a free and fair election and help the country move towards democracy.

Refuting Law and Information Adviser Mainul Hosein's views on politics and politicians, Jalil said the politics still prevailing in the country is dynamic and transparent and worthy of leading the nation.

Mainul on Saturday said undemocratic politics and leadership have led the country's democracy towards "near-collapse".

Jalil said, "I think the country's politics is still transparent and dynamic...And through this politics, democracy could be strengthened and the country could be developed. There cannot be any alternative to this politics."

Referring to the price-hike of commodities, he said people's sufferings will aggravate if the government does not take necessary steps to keep the prices under control.

"It is essential that the caretaker government take immediate steps to control price spiralling," he said, adding that when in power the AL had shown how to control price hike.