" This party throws bombs on the transports before every hartal to create panic among the public," he said this while he was addressing a public meeting at Muktangoan in the city organised by BNP protesting arson attack on a passenger bus.

Bhuiyan said AL has tarnished image of the country calling hartal during the visit of US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.

" AL calls hartal whenever any foreign dignitary comes to Bangladesh as it wants to tarnish country's image abroad," he added.

"AL and its leader Shiekh Hasina is segregated from its grassroots workers as most of its leaders don't want hartal," he said.

Bhuiyan said AL has betrayed countrymen as they promised not to call hartal while in power.

Mayor Sadeq Hossain Khoka said the bus was set on fire by the AL activists to create panic among people.

" The alliance government is voted to power by the countrymen not only for development works but also to ensure security of the citizens that's why we would take stern action against the criminals," Khoka said.

He urged BNP leaders and workers to remain alert against the 'AL conspiracy' and to be united to fight against criminal activities.

The rally was also addressed by Forest and Environment minister Tariqul Islam, Moazzem Hossain Alal M.P, Advisor of the Commerce Ministry Barkat Ullah Bulu, State Minister for Labour and Employment Amanullah Aman and city BNP General Secretary Abdus Salam.

The meeting was followed by a procession that ended in front of the BNP central office at Nayapaltan.