"They (BNP-Jamaat) are now fearing the public rage following their misrule. That's why they are conspiring to destroy the caretaker government system," she said.

The Awami League chief was talking to journalists at Zia International Airport in the morning prior to her departure for Italy to attend an international seminar.

The Ministry of External Affairs of Italy is organising the seminar titled "The Role of International Community in the Promotion of Democracy and the Rule of Law".

Hasina said the ruling alliance had used all government machinery to manipulate the last general election held in October 2001, but did not get the mandate from the people.

"Now they are trying to destroy the caretaker government system to cling to power," she said.

Referring to the formation of parliamentary standing committees, Hasina said the government violated the constitution and the Rules of Procedure by forming the committees without any representation from the opposition.

Replying to some remarks by the prime minister on the concluding day of parliament session on July 15, Hasina said the prime minister wanted mislead the people through her remarks. "Ruling party lawmakers had hurled abuses at me in her presence," she said.

Acting AL President Abdus Samad Azad, General Secretary Abdul Jalil and senior leaders Abdur Razzak and Advocate Abdul Hamid were present at the airport to see her off.