Sarjis Alam, chief organiser of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, has alleged that extortion and illegal trading of plots, prevalent during the regime of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, continue in Keraniganj even today.

Speaking at a roadside gathering on the Keraniganj Upazila Parishad’s Shaheed Minar premises on Tuesday, he expressed his frustration over the persistence of such criminal activities.

“Unfortunately, the extortion and plot trading that were rampant six to seven months ago under the tyrannical rule of Sheikh Hasina are still ongoing in Keraniganj,” Sarjis Alam said.

He also criticised the mismanagement of local resources, pointing to the poor condition of the River Buriganga’s canals.

“On my way here, I saw canals resembling dustbins or sewers. If these canals had been properly dredged, Keraniganj could have been developed into a tourist hub. While a budget was allocated for canal dredging and the area’s development, corrupt individuals laundered the funds abroad. These culprits, some of whom are now in jail, continue to issue directives from behind bars,” Sarjis said.

Highlighting the impact of land grabbing on local youth, he said, “The youth of Keraniganj are being accused of indulging in various antisocial activities, but the fields where they could play and the open spaces where they could thrive have been seized by predators. Essential elements for building a healthy and active life have been taken away by these opportunists, who now seek to regain control of Keraniganj.”

Alam urged the people of Keraniganj to prepare for leadership, recalling the area’s pivotal role in the July uprising.

“Those who led the uprising must now take charge of Keraniganj’s leadership. If you stand your ground with courage, even if only 100 people stand with you initially, that number will soon grow to thousands and eventually to hundreds of thousands,” he said.

He added, “If we sell ourselves for a small amount of money and accept temporary power, we will be forced to live in bondage again, as we have for the past 16 years.”

The event was attended by central coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, including Hasibul Islam, Rasel Ahmed and local representatives from Keraniganj such as Al-Amin, Minhaj Hossain, Javed Hossain and Saimon Chowdhury.