They said fanatics are carrying out bomb attacks without any resistance killing progressive political leaders, civil society members and intellectuals one after another.

The rally was organised by Dhaka University Teachers' Association (Duta) at the Central Shaheed Minar in the city.

Earlier Duta brought out a silent procession from Aparajeyo Bangla protesting the August 17 bomb attacks across the country. The rally ended at the Shaheed Minar after marching different roads on the campus.

Addressing the rally, the teachers said despite the existence of the Islamist militants in the country the government remained complete indifference to them leading to August 17 attacks.

Duta President Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique said police are obstructing the processions brought out to protest the bomb blasts, but allowing the processions taken out to demand the release of Mirza Galib, chief of Ahle Hadith Andolon Bangladesh (AHAB).

"This proved that there must be a quarter within the government which has a direct link with the extremist groups," he said.

"Bomb and grenade attacks will not stop unless the government disassociates itself from the fanatic elements," said Prof M Akhtaruzzaman, general secretary of Duta.

He threatened to go for tougher agitation if stern measures are not taken immediately against the fanatics.

"It is clear to all that the extremist forces with the assistance of Jamaate-e-Islami, a partner of the alliance government, have carried out bomb and grenade attacks at different places leaving hundreds of people dead and injuring many others," said Prof AK Azad Chowdhury, former Vice- chancellor of Dhaka University.

Social Science Faculty Dean Prof Harun-or-Rashid, Mass Communication and Journalism Department Chairman Prof Golam Rahman, Prof Hossain Monsoor and Prof Anwar Hossain also spoke at the rally.