Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday alleged that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia enforced hartal to save her family members from the charges of murder, August

21 grenade attack, corruption, money laundering and other criminal activities.

"Although she [Khaleda Zia| claimed that she had called the hartal in people's interest, the truth is she enforced the illogical shutdown only to save her family members and war criminals," said Hasina while answering to lawmakers' queries in parliament.

A court recently sentenced Khaleda's younger son Arafat Rahman Koko to six years' rigorous imprisonment in a money laundering case while her elder son Tarique Rahman was accused in a case filed for the August 21 grenade attack on an AL rally.

“They are now trying to create an abnormal situation in the country by enforcing hartal, and running propaganda against the government by appointing lobbyists,” said Hasina, chief of rulingAwami League.

The prime minister urged people to remain alert and united to face them.

She said BNP enforced hartal for more than 300 days during the previous AL-led government's tenure between 1996 and 2001.

“At that time, they could not stop our government's development activities,” said Hasina, also the leader of the House.

She said the opposition is practising "negative politics" which is unacceptable to people.

“If the people do not respond, a movement cannot be waged only by damaging or torching a few vehicles.”

She called on the main opposition to return to parliament and speak about their demands.

Hasina said her government has been implementing the ruling party's electoral pledges one by one.

The country has now become a role model in the world in ensuring food security and reducing child mortality rate, she said.

Hasina said her government's efforts have brightened the country's image in the last two and a half years.

She also referred to her government's measures to ensure health service for people, stop illegal use of electricity, and increase facilities for freedom fighters.