"We've come to know the government will kill our dedicated leaders and workers by Rab (Rapid Action Battalion) in the name of crossfire," Hasina alleged. She was exchanging views with different professional bodies at Institution of Engineers auditorium in the city.

Hasina said the government is filing 'false murder cases' against the AL leaders and activists in a bid to prove them criminals.

Referring to the killing of former finance minister SAMS Kibria, Hasina alleged the government is killing the popular AL lawmakers to claim the next general elections.

She accused the government of masterminding the bomb and grenade attacks on AL rallies across the country.

The AL chief said violation of human rights and politicisation of administration have surpassed all previous records.

On law and order slide, Hasina said, "How can this government provide security for the common people when police sergeants are being kidnapped?"

Regarding price hike of essentials, she said the government is not paying attention to the matter as coalition leaders are reaping the benefits from it.

"The prime minister's salary increased in 2002. So, the proposed pay scale for the government employees should be effective from 2002," Hasina added.

Speaking at the meeting, President of Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Barrister Rokanuddin Mahmud said people of all walks of life are passing their days in a sense of insecurity.

"Providing gunmen for some people will not be enough to save their lives. The government must improve the law and order," the SCBA president observed. He also blamed the government for politicising the judiciary and bureaucracy.

President of Dhaka University Teachers Association (Duta) Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique said the government is destroying the image of public universities by making appointments on the basis of political consideration.

Bangladesh Economic Council President Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad said Bangladesh would become a failed sate if ongoing economic and political situation prevails.

Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, president of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists, told the meet journalism as a profession has become risky as the government has failed to bring the killers of journalists to justice.

AL General Secretary Abdul Jalil, BEA General Secretary Dr Abul Barakat, Duta General Secretary Prof Akhtaruzzaman, Vice-president of Bangladesh Bar Council Barrister Amirul Islam, economist Dr Atiur Rahman, General Secretary of Sammilita Sangskritik Jote Golam Kuddus, President of Dhaka Union of Journalists Altaf Hossain and President of Non-Government Primary Teachers Association Mansur Ali also addressed the meet.