Sarjis Alam, the 11-party alliance candidate for Panchagarh-1 and chief organiser of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in the northern region, has accused the BNP of reverting to authoritarian practices ahead of the upcoming national polls.

Speaking at an election rally at Panchagarh High School ground on Monday evening, Sarjis said that after the July Uprising brought victory for Bangladesh, some political forces once seen as victims of repression are now adopting autocratic traits.

He alleged that “three to five neo-authoritarians” have emerged in district to ward levels in Panchagarh, engaging in extortion, drug trade, syndicates, profiteering over cases, harassment, and threats.

Sarjis cautioned that post-uprising Bangladesh is not the same as before July. “Those who will arrive with the intention of stealing votes will have only one destination: hospital.”

He addressed the BNP, saying, “In the past 16-17 years, you have had no experience in practicing pragmatic politics in Bangladesh. That is why you believe you can still succeed by following the same dirty, uncultured political practices you pursued 20 years ago.”

“They claim we are too young to represent in parliament. But where were their senior leaders when Bangladesh needed freedom during the uprising? We haven’t seen their faces in Panchagarh or Dhaka. The days of hiding in corners and rooms to play leaders are over,” he added.

Outlining his development agenda, Sarjis pledged to upgrade Panchagarh municipality, operationalise the 250-bed hospital, reopen the sugar mill, establish a medical college and university, form a workers’ welfare trust, build river embankments, make Panchagarh drug-free, develop tourism, and create 10,000 jobs.

He promised to keep the administration free from political interference.