Md Sarjis Alam, general secretary of the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation, has claimed that the Secretariat fire incident was a conspiracy.
He said that the fire broke out in two separate rooms, with a distance of about 100 metres between them.
“How is this possible? A fire would typically spread gradually from a single point. However, the fire started in two rooms associated with comrades of the uprising, who are now representatives of the current government—advisers Asif Mahmud and Nahid Islam,” he said.
Sarjis Alam made these comments at the “Thakurgaon Rising” program of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee held at the Thakurgaon Press Club Hall on Thursday afternoon.
He further said: “Through the media, we have learned and seen that a dog’s corpse was found inside the Secretariat. How could a dog be inside? Is there more to this conspiracy? We are certain there is foul play. Attempts to destabilize the country are ongoing, and we must unite to monitor and counter these efforts.”
He said that the interim government must ensure such incidents are not repeated and those who are responsible must face accountability.
He also warned of future conspiracies, urging unity to prevent a return of oppressive forces.
"If this uprising had not succeeded, many of us would have been jailed. We must remain vigilant and hold the spirit of this revolution," he said.
Referring to high-ranking bureaucrats, Sarjis Alam alleged that a section of senior officials had kept “murderer Hasina” in power, legitimizing 16 years of wrongdoing and misdeeds.
He added: “A significant portion of these bureaucrats have turned government offices into family dynasties under Hasina’s regime. Nepotism, favouritism, politicization, and abuse of power have deeply entrenched political partisanship in every government office.”
Sarjis Alam also claimed that some bureaucrats continue to work in favour of “murderer Hasina” within the Secretariat. “How can the Secretariat remain secure under such circumstances? The interim government should take steps aligned with the spirit of the mass uprising,” he further said.
Commenting on the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, he said: “This is not a political party; it is a political force. Everyone realizes the need for something new. Leadership in Bangladesh has been destroyed, and the Jatiya Nagorik Committee will serve as a platform to create skilled leaders as per future demands.”
On the matter of elections, Sarjis Alam said: “If it had been proposed before the mass uprising that a reform period of two to three years was needed, not a single person, let alone political parties, would have disagreed.”
“However, we cannot prolong the election timeline and push the country into further fragility. It has been just five months since the mass uprising. They need to be given time and opportunity for proper and standard reforms,” he added.
