They held several rallies in last few days protesting his alleged corruption. At a press conference at Mymensingh Press Club late last week, they demanded nomination for Jubo Dal leader Motahar Hossain Talukder from the constituency.

BNP presidents and secretaries of all 10 unions in Tarakanda were present at the press conference. It was addressed by Abdus Samad Talukder Khokon, Abdul Mannan and Abul Kasem Master, presidents of BNP units in Banihala, Balikhan and Kamargoan unions respectively.

They also alleged that Sarwar harassed many party men in the area by filing false cases against them and he did not maintain contact with grassroots level party activists.

The allegations against Sarwar included sheltering extortionists and criminals and misappropriation of funds from development projects by his men.

Sarwar never believed in the 19-point declaration of BNP. His activities in last five years tarnished the party's image in the area, they said.

The BNP leaders alleged the former lawmaker's men realised money from job seekers in different educational institutions and government offices, which defamed all party men.

Motahar Hossain was not present at the press conference.

Fazlul Haque Sarker, president of Tarakanda union BNP said the 4-party alliance will lose the seat if Sarwar is nominated again. He said local BNP leaders urged the party high command not to nominate Sarwar. He (Sarwar) will be resisted if he comes to Tarakanda for campaigning, Fazlul Haque said .

The opposition to Sarwar came to light a few months ago when local party men at public rallies alleged corruption by him.

When contacted, Sarwar brushed aside the allegations saying, "As their illegal demands were not met, they spoke against me and it is only for their personal interest.

"My position in the constituency is good and I hope people will vote me in the coming election", he said.