National Citizen Platform (NCP) chief organizer Sarjis Alam delivered a strongly worded address to residents of Panchagarh, criticizing years of neglect, systemic corruption, and political favoritism.
In the hour-long speech, Alam claimed that despite changes in government and leadership over five decades, the people of Panchagarh have seen little improvement in their everyday lives.
“Governments came and went. So did MPs. Nothing changed for this district,” he said. “We still don’t have a proper hospital. People settle for small infrastructure improvements and keep quiet. That’s not progress.”
Sarjis alleged that illegal dredging continues in Tetulia, with unlicensed machines running at night and harming both nature and nearby communities.
“These machines are lowering groundwater levels, triggering erosion, and putting people at risk. And they’re backed by extortion networks,” he alleged. “We know exactly who is behind it.”
The NCP leader also criticized the management of the Banglabandha land port, accusing both the ruling Awami League and unnamed local groups of excluding Panchagarh residents from job opportunities.
“If even 1,000 local people had jobs there, it would stabilize 1,000 families,” he said. “But people from outside the region are brought in, while millions are siphoned off daily through shady deals.”
Police services and local government offices were also targets of criticism. Alam acknowledged the presence of honest officers but said bribery remains common in police stations and land offices.
“You pay to file a complaint. You pay again to get action. Even then, you may not get justice,” he said. “And hospital staff treat ordinary people like intruders. That needs to stop.”
Alam urged the audience to protest mistreatment, even at the risk of confrontation.
“If someone sits down at the hospital gate because they were abused, no one should dare to hit them. That’s the spirit of the new Bangladesh we believe in,” he said.
He also emphasized that change would require independent thinking and moral courage during elections.
“Don’t sell your vote for 500 taka or for a party logo,” he said. “Support people who will actually work for this district, no matter what party they belong to.”
Sarjis kept returning to one key message: Panchagarh needs unity—across parties and communities—to push for better governance.
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He addressed communal concerns too, urging that Hindu citizens in the district be treated with respect.
“They are Bangladeshis first. Let no one make them feel otherwise,” he said.
Toward the end of the speech, Alam made a specific promise: to reopen the Panchagarh sugar mill before the 2026 sugarcane harvest.
“This year, a few individuals blocked its reopening to gain control. But a sugar mill isn’t a private prize. It’s a workplace for hundreds,” he said.
The mill had been scheduled to restart in 2025. According to Alam, internal disputes delayed the process.
“We’ll restart it. That’s our commitment to you,” he said.
The speech concluded with a call to action. “You’ve stayed quiet long enough,” he told the crowd. “Now it’s time to take responsibility for your district’s future.”
Local authorities and political opponents have yet to respond publicly to Alam’s comments.
