A number of ruling Awami League leaders yesterday asked the government to take immediate steps to bring down the prices of essentials, especially rice.
At a meeting of the AL Central Working Committee, they also demanded that the government identify and punish the persons responsible for the recent stockmarket debacle.
Held at Gono Bhaban, the meeting began at 4:30pm with Prime Minister and AL President Sheikh Hasina in the chair.
At the meeting, which lasted nearly five hours, the organising secretaries placed evaluation reports on last month's municipality polls.
They observed the party did not gain the expected results due to rebel candidates in most of the municipalities.
The ALCWC, however, did not endorse any disciplinary actions against the rebels.
Several leaders said the government has poorly handled crucial issues like the proposed airport in Arial Beel and the stockmarket scam. The opposition has been taking advantage of this to mislead the countrymen.
They suggested that both the government and the party clearly explain the issues so that the opposition could not create confusion in the public mind.
One presidium member observed that a gap is developing fast between the lawmakers and the party leaders as well as people, and that is a bad omen for the organisation and the government.
Another leader criticised Tofail Ahmed for speaking against the communications minister. He also blasted AHM Mustafa Kamal Lotus for dismissing the prime minister's remarks regarding BNP and the stockmarket crash as a political statement.
Lotus Kamal who was present at the meeting said he was sorry if he had caused any misunderstanding.
Hasina assured the meeting that there would be no major power and gas crises next year.
About the stockmarket, she said they have information about who were behind the manipulation. But as an investigation is on, it won't be wise to make comments.
She, however, vowed none of those responsible for the scam would be spared.
About rebels and crisis in Chittagong AL, the party chief said the problems would be resolved through discussions.
She urged all to co-operate with the World Cup organisers so that the government can successfully complete the prestigious event and improve the country's image abroad.