Salahuddin’s wealth rises 25 fold: NCP

National Citizen Party (NCP) Southern Region Chief Organiser Hasnat Abdullah on Monday accused Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed of amassing wealth after assuming office and alleged that the BNP was pursuing "occupation-based politics" rather than political neutrality.

Addressing a rally organised as part of the NCP's ongoing 'July Padajatra' at the Gangni bus stand in Meherpur on Monday night, Hasnat claimed that the Home Minister's wealth had increased "25 times" compared with his previous financial position.

He also alleged that the BNP was seeking to replicate the style of politics practised by the Awami League.

"The BNP does not want neutrality; it wants to engage in occupation-based politics like the Awami League," he said.

Turning to the education sector, Hasnat criticised the Education Minister over the recent transfer of teachers, alleging that the government had made innocent teachers scapegoats for administrative failures.

"He will apologise in Parliament, and at the same time take revenge by transferring teachers. The failure of the ministry and the administration has been placed on innocent teachers, who have been transferred elsewhere," he said.

In an apparent reference to the minister, Hasnat further alleged, "We know about your past and your family's corruption. It is not acceptable to advise your child not to engage in politics while sending them abroad to study behind the backs of other leaders."

Referring to ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the NCP leader claimed that political leaders and activists were being misled by calls to return to the country.

Speaking as the chief guest, NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain alleged that although the people had demanded reforms after what he described as years of Awami League rule, the BNP and its allies had withdrawn from that reform process following the election.

He claimed that while the BNP submitted "notes of dissent" on several issues during discussions of the National Consensus Commission, the Gana Adhikar Parishad and Gana Sanghati Andolon had initially refrained from doing so.

"Now they have taken the same position as the BNP after assuming responsibility for various ministries," Akhtar alleged.

He further claimed that public support overwhelmingly had favoured holding a referendum.

"Seventy per cent of the people of Bangladesh have taken a stand in favour of a referendum. No government can remain in power by ignoring that opinion. To remain in office, the verdict of the referendum must be implemented. The people will not accept the politics of occupation," he said.

The Meherpur rally was held after the NCP's procession reached Gangni from Chuadanga as part of its nationwide "July Padayatra". Following the programme, conducted under police security, the party leaders departed for Kushtia.