BNP attempting to monopolize power by delaying local elections: Sarjis

The Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP)'s chief organizer for the northern region Sarjis Alam has accused the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of trying to monopolize power by delaying local government elections. 

He made the allegations during a press conference at the NCP's temporary central office in Banglamotor on Tuesday.

Sarjis noted that recent statements from the BNP and the prime minister's information adviser suggest that holding local elections this year might not be possible, potentially pushing them to December 2027. 

He argued that with no elected chairmen currently serving at the upazila level, the government is attempting to centralize authority. He also expressed concern over rumors regarding the abolition of district councils, warning that suppressing public rights would backfire on the administration.

The NCP leader criticized the appointment of "defeated and unqualified" party activists as administrators in district councils and city corporations, alleging that these institutions are being turned into hubs for looting and extortion. 

Questioning the shift in the government's stance, Sarjis said, "Before the national elections, they claimed a quick vote was necessary. Now that they have formed the government, do the people no longer need service?" He demanded an explanation for this change in priority.

Sarjis urged the government to hold city corporation, upazila, and municipal elections within the current year to avoid street protests. He cautioned that if the opposition is forced to take to the streets, it should not be misinterpreted as an attempt to destabilize the government. "The decision to keep us off the streets rests with you," he added.

Concluding his remarks, Sarjis stated that any procrastination regarding local elections is unacceptable. 

He demanded that the Election Commission and the Ministry of Local Government finalize preparations to hold the city corporation, upazila, and municipal polls by December this year.