Sarjis Alam, the Northern Region Chief Organiser of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and a candidate for the 11-party alliance, faced a public backlash at midnight on Wednesday in Panchagarh after raising allegations of extortion.
The incident occurred after 11pm when Sarjis visited the residence of Aminur Rahman Nilu, the Member Secretary of the NCP’s Panchagarh.
Sarjis alleged that Nilu had been a victim of extortion. However, upon his arrival at the leader’s home, local residents confronted Sarjis, accusing him of possessing “bags of money” intended for the upcoming elections.
Law enforcement personnel rushed to the scene upon receiving the news. Amidst the confrontation, Sarjis maintained his position regarding the extortion claims and stated that a formal written complaint was being lodged with the administration.
Speaking to journalists at the site, Sarjis Alam said, “Aminur Rahman Nilu, Member Secretary of the NCP’s Panchagarh Municipal unit, has been a victim of extortion. We are submitting a written complaint to the administration, and we have all the evidence of the extortion in our hands”.
He also hit out at “propaganda” being spread through certain social media pages and accounts, warning that such misinformation leads to the rise of fascists. He urged mainstream media to carry the truth and stated that politically biased behaviour is not expected from them.
“If the election is not fair and autocracy returns, no one’s skin will remain on their back,” Sarjis warned, emphasising the gravity of the political situation.
