Farmers Betrayed in Sarakanda: A Damning Account of the Illegal BNP Syndicate’s Arbitrary Rule

-Written by: Raudra Rudra, political and security analyst.

The extreme arbitrariness that has been carried out in the name of appointing a fertilizer dealer in Pirgachha, Rangpur, is not just an isolated incident; it is a perfect proof of the harsh and ruthless picture of politics across the country today. The reckless misuse of party pads and seals by Upazila BNP President Aminul Islam Ranga and General Secretary Shariful Islam Dulles, under the umbrella of power, by turning them into personal property, is a terrible form of the entire national culture. The party identity that was supposed to be a pledge to stand by the people, has today become a tool for filling one’s own house.

From wife, children, in-laws to cousins—they have established family syndicates, proving that a festival of plunder is going on everywhere today. While state benefits are supposed to be open to everyone, a small circle tied by kinship ties has taken over everything. Qualification, experience, or service mentality are not a consideration here; the only criterion is—who belongs to whom.

The biggest proof of this is the list submitted to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer’s office on August 17. In the list, signed and sealed by Ranga, his own wife Sultana Ferdousi and Dulles’ wife Sweety Begum have been directly appointed for 19 dealer posts in 9 unions. The names of the senior vice president’s son, Dulles’ cousin and father-in-law have also been added. There is also a union president, a former president, four general secretaries, an organizing secretary, a co-treasurer and a leader of the Krishak Dal. Looking at the list, it is clear that this is not a transparent process for selecting dealers; it is a document of sharing party positions and family relationships. This document proves how a family empire is being built by abusing power across the country.

This illegal syndicate is not only destroying morality, but is also directly kicking the hard-working farmer in the stomach. A farmer who grows crops in the fields, scorched by the sun and drenched by the rain, has a basic need to get fertilizer on time at a fair price. However, if the distribution system of that fertilizer ends up in the pockets of a few powerful people, then the farmer has to pay the price – in increased prices, increased suffering, and the fear of uncertain yields.

Allegations of bribes of 15 to 20 lakh taka for dealerships have spread on social media, making the picture of looting even clearer. If these allegations of buying and selling dealerships are true, it should not be difficult for anyone to understand from whose pocket that huge amount will ultimately come out. When the common people are crushed by the rise in prices of goods, this cycle has established a reign of looting everywhere. On the one hand, the people’s anguish, and on the other hand, the family business of the powerful – this contradiction is the biggest shame of today’s politics.

We want to warn and say in clear language that this shameless autocracy syndicate, built on the blood of the peasants, must be crushed immediately. This plundering kingdom will not be tolerated for a moment longer. The downfall of the corrupt syndicate in the fire of public anger is inevitable, and the united resistance of the deprived peasants will build the grave of this autocracy!