"If the prime minister wants to successfully face the current deteriorating flood situation, she can follow the steps taken by previous AL government, " said Hasina while talking to newsmen at Zia International Airport prior to her departure for India on a four-day visit.

Recalling the flood of 1998, the former prime minister said her government at that time had boldly faced the situation by taking various steps which included fair distribution of relief materials and VGF (vulnerable group feeding) cards to the destitute people.

Hasina censured Khaleda for what she said, "The prime minister remarked that flood brings welfare. They see the flood as harbinger of welfare because it creates opportunity for them to steal relief materials, but it brings sufferings for the common people."

The AL president also criticised the alliance government for "inadequate supply of relief to flood-hit people."

About her visit, Hasina said she, along with her sister Sheikh Rehana, was going to India on a private tour to visit Ajmeer Sharif and offer fateha at the holy shrine.

The Indian government has proposed Hasina to make a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi during her tour and she agreed.

The AL president will return home on July 29.

Party central leaders were present at the airport.