They also hoped that the Khaleda-Nizami alliance would be driven out from the political arena forever through this election.

The leaders were speaking at a meeting marking the first anniversary of Tariqat Federation at the Institute of Engineers auditorium in the city.

Gono Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain said the people ardently want to get rid of misrule of the alliance government.

Referring to the attacks on different shrines and harassment of the spiritual leaders and their disciples during this regime, he assured the victims of legal assistance.

Terming the coalition rule a 'curse', Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh President AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury said the ruling coalition unleashed a rein of torture and darkness.

He urged the followers of Maijbhandari to mobilise public opinion against the government for its failure to check alarming price hike, supply uninterrupted power and provide security for the people.

Tariqat Federation President Syed Nazibul Bashar Maijbhandari said elections cannot be free and fair under Chief Election Commissioner Justice MA Aziz and probable chief adviser of the caretaker government Justice KM Hasan.

He stressed the need for reflection of the people's demand in the proposed dialogue on electoral reforms.

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President Hasanul Haque Inu said the Jamaat and militants are the epitome of communalism and militancy. They tried to destroy democracy, religion and the spirit of the War of Liberation, he added.

Awami League leader Ali Ashraf, Workers' Party President Rashed Khan Menon, BDB Secretary General Major (Retd.) Abdul Mannan, Samyabadi Dal General Secretary Dilip Barua and Zaker Party President Munshi Abdul Latif also spoke.