The call came from a protest rally organised by Sammilito Nagorik Samaj at the Central Shaheed Minar.

The speakers describing the alliance government as a complete failure asked it to step down. They said the government has manifestly failed to ensure public safety and the people do not want to see it in power even for a day.

Hasanul Haq Inu, president of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) said,"We've got to resist the organised attackers politically. And we need to form a unified platform to conduct the anti-government campaign."

Professor AAMS Arefin Siddque, president of Dhaka University Teachers' Association, said attempt on the life of leader of the opposition in broad daylight shows this government has lost every right to rule this country.

Nim Chandra Bhoumik, general secretary of the Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikyo Parishad, said if the people fail to stop the evil forces, the very existence of Bangladesh will be at stake.

Abdul Mannan, organising secretary of the AL, said the government is not sincere in probing the attempt on the life of Sheikh Hasina. He demanded an international investigation by the United Nations or the Commonwealth.

Mukul Bose, AL central leader, said since the BNP-Jamaat alliance government assumed power as many as 26000 people have been killed.

Kamal Lohani presided over the rally arranged to protest the August 21 grenade blasts. Among others, Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, Dr SA Malek, Shirin Akhter, Dr Akhtaruzzaman, Advocate Subrata Chowdhury, former soccer player Monem Munna, Principal Mahfuza Khanam, actor Jamaluddin Hossain, journalist Habibur Rahman Milon spoke at the rally.