The prime minister renewed her government's tough stance when some noted alems and olamas (Islamic scholars and thinkers) of the country met her at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on the occasion of the holy Ramadan.

She assured the religious leaders that the innocent people would not be harassed in any way.

Khaleda said adequate security measures have been taken so that both Ramadan and Durga Puja can be celebrated with due religious fervour.

She urged people to remain alert against terrorist acts and maintain sanctity of the Ramadan.

The prime minister told the alems and olamas that the government measures taken on the occasion of Ramadan to arrest the price hike of essentials would continue.

Rice, pulses, onion and edible oil are now being sold at fair prices by the government through OMS to check the price hike of the essential commodities.

She said arrangements have also been taken to ensure proper and adequate supply of electricity during Iftar, tarabi prayers and seheri, and hoped that the shopping malls would not be illuminated as an energy-saving measure.

The prime minister hoped that traders and businessmen would maintain the sanctity of holy Ramadan and would not be driven by excess profit motive.

Shaikul Hadith Maolana Azizul Huq, Maolana Obaidul Huq, Maolana Habibur Rahman, Mufti Shahidul Islam MP, Maolana Ashraf Ali, Maolana Abdur Rab Yusufi, Maolana Yusuf Ashraf, Maolana Nezamuddin, Mohammad Humayun Kabir and Maolana Tofazzul Huq Aziz met the prime minister.

Appreciating the government steps to hunt down the terrorists and unearthing the recent bomb blasts, the Islamic scholars and thinkers said they will unitedly resist the evil attempts of those who in the name of Islam are carrying out terror attacks to undermine Islam and its sanctity.

They assured the prime minister of their all-out support to the government steps to curb terrorism and expressed satisfaction over the steps taken to arrest price hike of essentials.