The protesters held the government responsible for the acts of violence, saying the perpetrators are doing these under the protection of a partner in the ruling alliance.

Bomb attacks and threats to life of innocent citizens will not stop so long the coalition partner remains in the alliance, speakers at the protest programmes said.

Our RU Correspondent Reports: Udichi Shilpi Gosthi at Rajshahi University yesterday held a rally in front of RUCSU building protesting the JMB (Jama'atul Mujahideen, Bangladesh) attack in Netrakona in which its district assistant general secretary Khwaja Haidar Hossain and seven others were killed.

Udichi also announced a two-day programme including rallies, processions, token hunger strike and hoisting of black flags atop buildings on the campus.

Earlier, culrural activists in the city led by Udichi leaders took out a protest procession wearing black badges.

The protesters also blocked the Dhaka-Rajshahi highway for about half an hour and staged demonstrations.

At a rally, speakers said the nation will have to rise once again like 1971 to resist zealots and communal forces.

They said bombings will not stop unless anti-liberation elements are removed from the government.

The rally was addressed by, among others, Prof Muhammad Naser, Udichi RU President Zahid Hassan and Sangsritik Jote Vice- president Ariful Islam.

Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) at RU, Progotishil Chhatra Jote (PCJ), Sangskritik Jote yesterday took out separate processions and held rallies on the campus to protest suicide bomb attacks in Netrokona.

The protesters also demanded resignation of the government.

Udichi, Dinajpur hold a token hunger strike protesting bombing.

Our Dinajpur Correspondent reports: Leaders and activists of different political parties, journalists and human rights organisations joined a protest march in the town and a token hunger strike in front of Dianjpur Press Club yesterday organised by Udichi.

Our Satkhira Correspondent reports: Different political parties, socio-cultural and human rights organisations in Satkhira have condemned the December 8 bomb attacks in Netrokona that killed eight people and injured over 40.

In separate statements, they said, initiatives to check the spree of bomb blasts will be effective unless their protector in the alliance government is not removed.

They also demanded resignation of the government alleging that the attacks are operating under the shelter of a key coalition partner. They threatened to go for tougher agitation programs if the government fails to ensure security of people's life and property.

They demanded immediate arrest and punishment to the culprits involved in the blasts across the country.

The statements were issued by front ranking leaders of Satkhira district units of Awami League, Workers Party, Jatiya Samajtantric Dal (JSD), NAP (National Awami Party), District Bar Association and prominent cultural activists.

Our Manikganj Correspondent reports: Manikganj district unit of Udichi yesterday formed a human chain and held a rally in front of Manikganj Press Club protesting the bomb attack in Netrakona.

Political leaders, human rights activists, journalists and professionals joined the programmes.

Our Sirajganj Correspondent reports: A token hunger strike was staged and a rally held on the Renaissance Club premises in the town yesterday to protest JMB suicide bomb attacks in Netrokona.

Local political leaders, cultural activists including members of Sammilito Sangskritik Jote, teachers, lawyers and professionals joined the programmes.

Speakers at the rally demanded resignation of the government for its failure to ensure security of people's life and property and keeping JMB protectors in the Cabinet.

Hunger strike and other protest programmes were also held in Jessore and Moulvibazar, according reports reaching The daily Star office till yesterday evening.