They also condemned the government for its failure to contain the price spiral.

The parties included Awami League (AL), left 11-party alliance, and Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD).

Expressing grave concern at the skyrocketing of essentials the opposition parties decided to stage demonstrations in Dhaka and elsewhere the country in protest at the government's indifference to the acute problem.

The party leaders urged the people to join the demonstrations against the current steep rise of prices.

They said the government is also indifferent to the problems of thousands of people in northern districts who are passing their days in Monga (famine like situation).

The AL will stage demonstrations in Dhaka and other parts of the country to protest the price hike of essentials on October 20.

In a statement yesterday, Obaidul Quader, acting general secretary of the AL

said "Public life has become a misery. The government has no control over the market."

He said the wrong economic policy of the government, unabated corruption and extortion by the alliance men and business syndicates are mainly responsible for price spiral.

A meeting of the left 11-party alliance yesterday decided to bring out a procession from the city's Muktangon to Bahadurshah Park to protest the price spiral on October 19.

Speakers at the meeting said the alliance government has totally failed to run the country.

They also criticised the government decision to seize unlicensed rickshaws when the rickshawpullers are stifled by present price hike of essentials.

Presided over by Rashed Khan Menon, the meeting was also addressed by Shahidullah Chowdhury, Saifuddin Ahmed Manik, Haji Abdus Samad and Dilip Barua.

The JSD will also stage demonstrations in the city on October 20.

Awami Jubo League, youth front of the AL, will hold a rally in protest at the price hike at 10:00am today in front of its office at Bangabandhu Avenue.

Progressive Student Alliance, a platform of left-leaning student organisations and some social organisations including Projonmer Chetona and Toxin-free Food Movement have also protested the sharp increase of price of essentials.