Sarjis Alam, the chief organizer of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, has warned that if anyone attempts to abuse power over the upcoming elections, another mass uprising will take place.
He made these remarks as chief guest at the “New Bangladesh Through Your Eyes” campaign held at a resort in Narayanganj on Sunday afternoon.
“The elections must be free and fair. If any political party in Bangladesh wins 300 seats in this election, we will have no objections,” he said.
Referring to a new student political party forming in February, Sarjis said: “Our political party is set to come into existence this February. We have called upon one of our key coordinators on the streets [during the July uprising], Nahid Islam, to step down from his ministerial position and return to the people.”
He added: “We believe the people come before power. They can leave any position of power at any moment and stand with the people. We are forming a new political party in Bangladesh in the very near future, uniting everyone.”
Sarjis continued: “The practices of the past 16 years are still being seen. The people who practised these ideas now have them ingrained in their blood. To move away from these practices, leadership must come from those who led the mass uprising.”
Referring to ongoing extortion, Sarjis said: “Extortionists still exist in Bangladesh and continue their activities. Syndicates are still operating. The land grabs in Sonargaon that existed before are still happening, and even more so now.”
Sarjis added: “If you want to stop these, you must unite, dedicate time, stay on the streets, and have the courage to do so.”
He also pointed out that some are providing shelter to murderers, saying: “Those who once opposed the dictator are now giving shelter to murderers in exchange for power, money, and benefits.”
He added: “Some police officers and certain judges are also providing shelter in return for favours. Many dishonest people are providing refuge for such individuals. But the shelter for you and me will be unity.”
