If referendum illegal, home minister, BNP govt too: Sarjis

"If the referendum is illegal, then you, Mr Salahuddin Ahmed, are also illegitimate as the home minister, and so is the BNP government," he said while addressing a public rally at the Baninagar High School ground in Kaliganj upazila of Lalmonirhat at night.

Sarjis accused both the Awami League and the BNP of corruption in the implementation of large-scale development projects.

He alleged that thousands of crores of taka were looted from the Padma Bridge project during the Awami League's tenure and claimed that the BNP is now engaging in similar irregularities through canal excavation projects.

According to the NCP leader, labourers who never worked and even deceased persons were allegedly listed for canal excavation work, while the canals were later excavated using dredgers.

He also alleged that sand and stones extracted during the work were misappropriated and that contractors could not begin work without paying money to local BNP leaders.

Sarjis further alleged that people seeking to become presidents or members of primary school managing committees are required to be affiliated with the BNP, claiming that political identity has become a prerequisite for such positions.

Speaking at the programme, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary alleged that the healthcare system in Lalmonirhat is in poor condition, claiming that hospitals often lack either doctors, nurses or medicines.

Among others, NCP Member Secretary and Rangpur-4 lawmaker Akhter Hossen addressed the programme, reports UNB.