Rajshahi, May 17 -- e-Islami Ameer and leader of the opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman on Saturday questioned what he described as widespread "political grabbing" across all sectors, directing sharp criticism at the BNP over allegations of corruption, politicisation and governance failures.

"Why is political grabbing happening everywhere with brute force?" he asked while addressing a divisional rally of the 11-party opposition alliance at the historic Madrasa ground in Rajshahi.

The rally was held demanding implementation of the referendum verdict, easing public suffering and fair share of the Padma River waters.

Referring to alleged partisan appointments at Bangladesh Bank, Shafiqur Rahman said, "You could not even keep the central bank ...