Speakers at the rally criticised Rajshahi police for escorting the May 23 armed showdown of JMJB in the northwestern city and obstructing yesterday's rally against the Islamist outfit blamed for killing at least eight suspected outlaws in vigilante action since April 1.

Police stopped workers setting up the dais for the rally in the morning but backed off later in the wake of public protest. Police also tried to drive away demonstrators to clear way for traffic.

The speakers, including main opposition Awami League General Secretary Abdul Jalil, blamed the government for its failure to fight the armed militants in the northwest.

"We united in upholding the spirit of the Liberation War and our efforts to free the country from the misrule of the BNP-Jamaat alliance," Jalil said.

Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon slated Jamaat-e-Islami, linking the ruling coalition partner to the rise of Bangla Bhai, dreaded operations commander of the JMJB. He demanded arrest of the operatives and punishment to government officials who backed them.

"It's unbelievable that police who arrested hundreds of innocent people in April without charges are unable to capture Bangla Bhai," Menon said.

Communist Party of Bangladesh President Manjurul Ahsan Khan demanded a ban on Jamaat politics and accused the BNP-Jamaat alliance of patronising Bangla Bhai.

Organised by Rajshahi Nagarik Committee at Shaheb Bazar, the rally was also addressed by Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President Hasanul Haque Inu, Gonotantri Party President Mahmudur Rahman Babu, Gono Azadi League President Abdus Samad, Samyabadi Dal General Secretary Dilip Barua and Awami League organising secretaries Abdul Mannan and Akhtaruzzaman. RNC Convenor Golam Arif Tipu chaired the meeting.