Sarjis Alam, general secretary of the July Martyrs Memorial Foundation, has voiced strong criticism over the regional disparity in the appointments to the Advisory Council of the interim government.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday at an event titled "Bangladesh Stands with the Martyrs' Families" at Rangpur District Shilpakala Academy, he said: “Thirteen advisers have been appointed from Chittagong, while no one was chosen from Rangpur, Rajshahi, or Mymensingh divisions. Is there not a single capable individual from these divisions to run a ministry? We cannot support such regional discrimination.”
Addressing allegations of "lawsuit profiteering" following the July uprising, Sarjis Alam said: “This practice is not limited to Rangpur; it is widespread across Bangladesh. Profiteering from cases involving our martyred and injured brothers will not be tolerated. People are paying to add or remove names from lawsuits, and this business must end immediately.”
Sarjis Alam also criticized the appointment of filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki to the Advisory Council.
He said: “Farooki has always worked to appease power. How do such individuals end up on the Advisory Council? During these critical times, we need strong and principled advisers, not those who remain silent or prioritize self-interest.”
Sarjis Alam endorsed Akhtar Hossain, former social welfare secretary of DUCSU and secretary of the National Citizen Committee, for inclusion in the Advisory Council.
He said: “Akhtar Hossain shed blood multiple times under the previous fascist government and was actively involved in movements daily. His contributions cannot be overlooked.”
On Friday night, during the opening ceremony of the Aloyakhoa Rash Mela at Mirza Golam Hafiz Degree College field in Atwari Upazila, Panchagarh, Sarjis Alam criticized Sheikh Hasina, saying: “Those who trusted Sheikh Hasina were left in the open field, while she fled the country in fear via helicopter.”
