She categorically said those who are demanding resignation of the government instead of cooperating in the investigation of August 21 grenade attacks want to destroy the country's democratic institutions.

"We have given blood for independence of the country, carried out an uncompromising movement for nine years and shed blood to restore and uphold democracy. Now we are in the government to uphold and protect the country's independence and sovereignty as well as carry out economic activities to ensure welfare and peace of the people at any cost," the prime minister told a group of professionals.

She said the government would leave no stone unturned to find out the culprits involved in the August 21 incident and award the punishment.

At the same time, she made it clear that the government would not tolerate "politics of destruction and anarchy".

The prime minister urged both print and electronic media to work for the welfare of the country and greater interest of the people, instead of taking stand against the people.

She called for a broad-based unity of professionals as well as all sections of people to advance the country as a dignified nation into international arena upholding the image of Bangladesh.

The delegation of professionals met the prime minister at her office to discuss the latest situation of the country and government steps. It included Prof MA Mazed, Prof MA Hadi, Former VC of Buet Prof Iqbal Mahmud, President of the Agriculturists' Association of Bangladesh Javed Iqbal, former VC of Khulna University Dr Golam Ali Fakir and President of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) M anwarul Azim.

Khaleda said her government always wants to make Bangladesh a strong state, enhancing capability as well as safeguarding the country's independence and sovereignty.

Briefly describing the government's activities to improve the law and order situation and development in various sectors, she said they took multifaceted steps, including `operation clean heart', regional agreement against terrorism and the formation of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).

Khaleda said those who are attempting to hamper the investigation, instead of cooperation, want to foil democracy and weaken country's independence and sovereignty and hamper the economic advancement.

"And they are out to create panic through bomb attacks to hamper the normal economic activities," she said.

She said in the perspective of present world scenario, real image of the country should be built up thwarting the designs of those distorting the image.

The prime minister hoped that professionals would raise voice against any sort of anti-people and anti-country activities by any quarter.