"There is no alternative to the unity of all citizens against extremist communal forces and their patrons and plunderers. Everyone should come up alongside the politicians to motivate the nation," she told leaders of Peshajibi Samonaya Parishad when they met her at her Sudha Sadan residence.

Hasina said the country and the nation are now passing through a critical time and the country's independence and sovereignty are at stake.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina yesterday strongly denounced the attempt on the life of Sylhet City Mayor Badruddin Ahmed Quamran saying the extremist communal outfits patronised by the government carried out the attack.

In a statement, she said these communal outfits had also tried to kill the popular leader in the past but the government protected them instead of taking action.

"Where is the safety of the country's common people when the government fails to ensure the security of a person of State Minister's status?" she asked.

Expressing grave concern at the growing militancy, Hasina said the government wants to push the country into a dark tunnel. "This is an undeclared war against the country's people although it took oath to protect them," she observed.

"Now there is no doubt in public mind that the government is the mastermind and the patron of the militants. Ouster of this alliance regime is the only way to rid the country and the nation of these evil forces," the AL president said in her statement.

She said the government, even of late, has recognised the presence of militants in the country, even then it continues to protect the extremists.

The AL chief urged the people irrespective of their political affiliations to come up to save the country and the nation.