Dhaka: National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Organiser (Northern Region) Sarjis Alam on Wednesday declared that if the ongoing referendum is deemed illegal, then Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and the BNP government’s legitimacy should also be questioned. Speaking at a public rally held at the Baninagar High School ground in Kaliganj upazila of Lalmonirhat, Sarjis Alam openly challenged the current administration’s standing.

According to United News of Bangladesh, Sarjis Alam accused both the Awami League and the BNP of engaging in corrupt practices during their respective tenures, particularly in large-scale development projects. He alleged that massive funds were misappropriated from the Padma Bridge project under the Awami League’s governance. He further claimed that the BNP is similarly exploiting canal excavation projects for financial gain.

The NCP leader highlighted alleged irregularities in the canal excavation projects, asserting that labourers who never worked were listed, including deceased individuals. He claimed that the actual excavation was conducted using dredgers, while sand and stones extracted during the process were misappropriated. Sarjis alleged that local BNP leaders demanded payments from contractors before allowing project work to commence.

Sarjis also critiqued the political influence over primary school managing committee positions, stating that candidates are often required to have affiliations with the BNP, making political identity a condition for eligibility.

Furthermore, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary addressed the rally, criticizing the healthcare system in Lalmonirhat. He alleged that hospitals frequently suffer from a lack of essential resources, including doctors, nurses, and medicines.

The gathering also featured an address by NCP Member Secretary and Rangpur-4 lawmaker Akhter Hossen, who echoed concerns about governance and public welfare.