Pabna, Nov 03 (V7N) – Leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated and associate organisations held a human chain in Chatmohar upazila of Pabna on Monday, alleging irregularities and corruption in the appointment of fertiliser dealers in four union councils and demanding cancellation of the appointments.

The programme was held at the upazila parishad premises around noon on November 2.

Speakers alleged that people affiliated with the Awami League had been appointed as fertiliser dealers in Bilchalan, Mulgram, Dibigram and Mathurapur unions through irregularities and corrupt practices. They said the appointments had damaged the party’s image and accused the dealers of harassing farmers and selling fertiliser at higher prices.

The speakers identified Samad Ali, a Jubo League leader, as the dealer in Bilchalan Union; Rahmat Ali in Mulgram Union; Akmal Hossain in Dibigram Union; and Ariful Islam in Mathurapur Union. They alleged that all four were active members of the Awami League and had secured the dealerships through irregularities and by influencing some BNP members.

The BNP leaders demanded immediate cancellation of the four dealerships and called for BNP members to be appointed in their place. They also urged the authorities to investigate the alleged irregularities in the recruitment process and take appropriate action.

Those who addressed the programme included Chatmohar Upazila BNP Senior Vice-President Principal Mahmudul Alam Mahmud, former convenor of the municipal BNP A M Zakaria, former joint convener of the upazila BNP Robiul Karim Tarek, former Haripur Union Parishad chairman Nazir Sarker, former Gunai Gachha Union Parishad chairman Golam Mawla, former Bilchalan Union BNP convener Md Afsar Ali Navy, former Dibigram Union BNP convener Dr Saiful and former Mathurapur Union BNP convener Yasin Ali.

Leaders and activists from different levels of the upazila BNP and its affiliated and associate organisations also attended.

After the human chain, the leaders verbally informed Chatmohar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Khalid Hasan about their allegations and demanded a resolution of the complaints and necessary action.

Khalid Hasan said he would discuss the matter with the higher authorities and consider what steps could be taken.

END/MSR/SMA/