The memorandum, which focused on existing law and order, corruption, human rights, political persecution, judicial independence, free press, parliamentary practices and transparency of public operations, saw little or no semblance of good governance at present.

"There is no sense of direction in the government nor is there any semblance of cohesion of policy or programmes of action in its jumbo-size cabinet," it states.

It criticised the BNP for its 'failure' to meet its two primary election pledges of improving law-and-order situation and combating corruption.

The main opposition party complained that the breakdown of law and order and heightened insecurity of the common people have had the most debilitating impact. "There is virtual anarchy in the country."

A new phenomenon is the kidnapping of businessmen and industrialists for ransom, it said, alleging that some of the victims were killed for the government's failure to detect criminals.

"What is more alarming is the impunity and immunity with which government-backed criminals are, at times, perpetrating this criminal act."

A frustrated business community was forced to observe hartals, which severely dampen the investment climate and disrupt normal economic activities.

The memorandum also alleged ruling alliance `mastans' are operating under active police protection. "A self-styled vigilante group kills people (in northwestern districts) and in the name of (outlaw) cleansing operations, forcing women to wear burka and men to grow beards under active police support".

It also said the government failed to investigate conclusively all seizures of arms smuggled into the country for use in Bangladesh or "possible transfer to other countries".

The government's instant reaction was to shift blame on the opposition parties, terming it a conspiracy against government.

It alleged that members and leaders of the ruling alliance, including an adviser to the prime minister, were involved in the Chittagong arms haul.

The memo noted that for long-term stability in the country and the region development partners should offer to join and assist Bangladesh in carrying out international investigation into such arms seizures.

It said the reports of national and international human rights organisations echoed the AL concern for the past 30 months.

The memorandum cited incidents of what it called persecution of religious minorities as well as AL workers. The atrocities in Banshkhali and Mohalchhari drew international attention and condemnation, it said.

It also complained about the violation of human rights during mass arrests in the last week of April.

On the 14th Constitution Amendment Bill, the AL memo said the bill was aimed at making retired chief justice KM Hasan head of the caretaker government during the next election.

It also doubted the government's intention for separation of judiciary from the executive as the law ministry is often taking time from the Supreme Court on flimsy grounds.

The memo also described at length how AL lawmakers were barred from playing their role in parliament.

In the long-drawn list of complaints, the AL said emergence of `Hawa Bhaban' has on the one introduced "duality in authority and governance" and on the other "epitomised extreme political corruption".

The memorandum alleged that politicisation of bureaucracy has ruined its quality through contract employment, political patronage in distribution of executive posts and retirement on motivated grounds.

It stated how journalists were being killed and repressed for reporting terrorism and corruption under the alliance government.