They demanded immediate resignation of the ministers responsible for the prevailing situation.

Speaking at a rally at Paltan Maidan, the leaders also alleged that the Jamaat-e-Islami was distorting Islam through media and under government patronage.

Islamic Front President Syed Bahadur Shah said that their goal is to establish a society based on Sunni philosophy.

Zainul Abedin Zubaer, secretary general of the Front, denounced the government for not protesting the US occupation of Iraq and killing of Iraqis.

Md Arifur Rahman Taheri, organising secretary of Bangladesh Aahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamayat, said, "Some of those who drive around with flags on their cars were the same people who shredded the same flag 33 years ago."

Md Momtazuddin Chowdhury, Syed Md Habibur Rahman, Md Khandakar Golam Mowla, Syed Md Naserul Haq Chisty, Khaja Tayebul Islam and Abu Naser Talukdar also spoke.