This is harming the nation, BNP leaders said at a biennial conference of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Krishok Dal here.

They also launched a tirade against former president and Jatiya Party chief HM Ershad.

"Ershad migrated from India and can not claim to be a son of Rangpur," said Deputy Minister for Relief and Disaster Management Asadul Habib Dulu.

"During his (Ershad) ten-year rule he did nothing for the people of greater Rangpur. Even he did not declare Carmical College a university college", Dulu said.

The convention held at the Shilpokala Academy auditorium was also addressed by among others, State Minister for Agriculture Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, ex-MP and Nilphamari district BNP president Shahrin Islam Tuhin, acting president of central Krishok Dal Mozibur Rahman.

Convenor of the district Krishok Dal Farhanul Haque presided.

Alamgir alleged that the previous governments did not take any pragmatic step for development of agriculture and wellbeing of farmers. It was late president Ziaur Rahman who introduced massive irrigation and launched a canal digging programme, which benefited farmers, he said.

He urged the party men to remain alert against "conspiracies by those rejected by people".

He said the government has taken proper steps so that farmers can get fertiliser, diesel and other agri-inputs at fair prices.

They urged the people to rally round BNP, saying only this party can lead the country to peace and development.

They also bitterly criticised Awami League for calling 102 "popular" leaders of BNP "godfathers".

The conference formed a 71-member Rangpur Krishok Dal committee with Md Mohsin as its president and Farhanul Haq as general secretary.