"Let's get together to rescue the nation from the corrupt and criminal regime, and establish a people's government," she told a big public rally at Basabo's Shaheed Alauddin Park in the city.

Hasina renewed her allegation against the prime minister and her family of illegally siphoning off money from the country and setting up businesses abroad by closing down local industries. Besides, the government has abandoned all pro-people projects, she further alleged.

"With the blessings of Allah, every penny of people's money misappropriated by them would be brought back to the country," the AL chief told her cheering supporters.

She also accused Prime Minister Khaleda Zia of killing democracy and making parliament non-functional to perpetrate an autocratic rule.

The opposition leader alleged that the sacred floor of parliament has been turned into a place for mudslinging, using abusive and filthy words in utter violation of the Rules of Procedure and the Constitution.

"The parliamentary committees were also formed quietly without inducting Awami League lawmakers."

She also criticised the armed attack on lawyers at the Dhaka Judges' Court last week at the "prime minister's instigation".

"One day, Khaleda Zia will be put on trial for killing democracy," Hasina said.

Referring to the deteriorating law and order situation and upsurge in criminal acts, she questioned how public life could be secure "if criminals are made MPs and ministers."

The AL president accused the government of releasing some 24,000 criminals from jail and killing some 53,000 of her party workers in the last 23 months.

"It's a fact that BNP was born through violence. And Khaleda Zia lives in the cantonment as she is afraid of the people."

About the speedy trial tribunal, Hasina alleged that the government was prosecuting AL members instead of criminals to silence the voice of her party and the people.

"This government came to power not by people's vote but by rigging and violence," she said.

The opposition leader said when the common men are facing acute economic hardship because of price spiral of essentials, the government has increased salaries of ministers and MPs leaving out employees and workers.

AL Organising Secretary Saber Hossain Chowdhury presided over the rally. AL leaders Abdus Samad Azad, Abdur Razzak, Abdul Jalil, Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya and Habibur Rahman Mollah, Jubo League leader Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Awami Swechchhasebak League leader Bahauddin Nasim, Syed Khokon and Bangladesh Chhatra League leader Liakat Sikdar also addressed the meeting.