Coupled with fuel price hike, load-shedding is hampering irrigation in the peak IRRI-Boro cultivation season now, many of the grassroots BNP leaders told the party's union representatives' conference.

Some 2000 BNP leaders from 215 unions in Rajshahi, Naogaon and Chapainawabganj districts attended the day-long conference, held at Rajshahi stadium on Thursday.

They also resented rising prices of essentials including rice and complained that problems at villages were not rightly reflected in the parliament as many of the lawmakers did not go to their areas after the election.

First Joint Secretary of BNP Tarique Rahman chaired the meeting while Finance Minister Saifur Rahman was the chief guest. A number of ministers and MPs were also present.

Bisnopur union BNP Organising Secretary Subol Chandra said, "Our crops on vast lands are being damaged in absence of proper irrigation in the peak season due to load shedding and high price of fuel. Farmers now need fresh agriculture loans as the Tk 600 crore subsidy did not actually benefit them.

Badalgachhi union BNP leader Abdul Hamid said fertilisers were being sold at higher rates due to hoarding by a section of dealers to create an artificial crisis.

Tarique Zia interrupted Hamid and asked him to disclose names of unscrupulous dealers and to suggest remedies.

"I know everything, but it should not be make it public", Hamid replied.

Jhilimpur union BNP President from Chapainawabganj demanded government steps to control price hike of essentials including rice and of fuel for irrigation.

"We face criticism from people for price hike of rice and fuel".

"During Awami League regime, no development took place, but prices of essentials were lower", he said.

Kismotgrampur union BNP president Rafique Sarkar said, "When BNP rules, development works take place but prices go up".

Several union leaders including Babor Uddin, Shariful Islam, Himadri Sarkar ventilated farmers' problems and said many MPs do not visit their respective areas even once a month.

Shubhodanga union BNP President Mozaffar Hossain said, people and conscious and they do not believe the sate owned media. These should be reorganised, he said.

Tarique Rahman asked party men to keep vigil on fertiliser and seed dealers and to cooperate with local administrations so that government facilities reach the farmers.

"You should not depend solely on the government, you have to find out ways for your and your country's development", he said.

He also requested BNP MPs to visit their areas regularly and pay heed to good suggestions, even from opposition parties.

Addressing the conference, Finance Minister Saifur Rahman said Awami League is an old party but 'it does follow the grammar of politics'.

"They harbour politics of violence. They are not connected with people".