Jatiya Oikya Mancha and Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh (BDB) yesterday demanded that the speaker should hold an all-party dialogue to rid the country of the current situation marked by "crimes, corruption and misrule".

Jatiya Oikya Mancha Convenor Dr Kamal Hossain and Bikalpa Dhara Bangladesh (BDB) President AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury submitted a memorandum to the speaker at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

Earlier, Oikya Mancha and BDB leaders and supporters took out a procession from Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh and

marched towards parliament. But police intercepted them in front of Shishu Park.

Dr Kamal while addressing a gathering at engineers' institution demanded resignation of the state minister for home affairs for his 'failure' to maintain law and order.

He said if the government does not explain its position and next course of action to maintain the country's peace by three days, he would go for legal steps against it for breach of oath.

The constitution has given the citizens a provision to seek explanation from the government about its activities, he added.

"Criminal activities have spread like epidemic, but the government is sitting idle and doing nothing to stop it," Kamal said.

Speaking at the gathering, BDB chief Badruddoza accused the government of harbouring criminals instead of bringing them to book.

He alleged the prime minister has failed to run the country properly, saying corruption and criminal activities have surpassed all the previous records.

On the August 17 serial explosions across the country, he said contradictory statements by the ministers are creating confusion and hindering the investigation.

"Nonexistence of the deputy leader of the House and a cabinet minister in the home ministry proves how ineffectively the government is functioning," Badruddoza observed.

Dr Kamal said general public want the government's accountability and parliament to be properly functioned.

"The people want to know why price of essentials are spiralling, separation of judiciary is being delayed and criminals involved in bomb attacks are escaping punishment," he added.

He also alleged the government is using the law enforcement agencies for its political gains instead of curbing crimes.

Oikya Mancha leaders Abdur Rouf, Mostafa Mohsin Montu, Abul Kashem and BDB leaders Firoz M Hasan also addressed the gathering.