Calling the historic July National Charter a “mere formality,” Sarjis Alam, the chief organizer of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) for the northern region, has sharply criticized the interim government. He said, “The interim government seems more concerned about its own safety than that of the people. The July Charter signing was just a symbolic gesture to satisfy formalities.”
Speaking to journalists on Friday (October 17) at the opening ceremony of the Tuniarhat Gold Cup Football Tournament at the Tuniarhat Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Degree College field in Panchagarh, Sarjis Alam made the remarks.
He said, “The interim government has merely displayed a superficial consensus among political parties through this Charter. There is no reflection of the people’s real demands, the spirit of their movement, or the sacrifices of the martyrs.”
Sarjis Alam further alleged, “Whether or not reforms or legal grounds exist, the government is using the July Charter as a ‘safe exit’ strategy. That’s why they hurriedly signed it and are now rushing toward elections.”
Raising questions about a potential referendum, he asked, “If the people vote in favor of the July Charter, what will happen to the related demands? Will the notes of dissent be recognized or ignored? These matters remain unclear.”
Expressing anger over the treatment of victims’ families and July fighters, he said, “The way the authorities used batons, tear gas, and even rubber bullets against the martyrs’ families and July fighters in front of the Parliament building on Friday is deeply tragic and shameful.”
Sarjis Alam also claimed, “The July Charter signing ceremony turned into a political gathering — a meeting of party leaders — where there was no place of honor or recognition for the martyrs’ families or the July fighters. Such behavior is utterly disrespectful and unacceptable.”
Issuing a warning, he said, “Since August 5, we have made many compromises, yet the declaration remains only on paper. It has no real implementation. If this continues, not only will the uprising lose its meaning, but the fighters themselves may one day face legal persecution.”
Others present at the opening ceremony included Fazle Rabbi, coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Panchagarh, Tofail Pradhan, chairman of Kamat Kajoldighi Union Parishad, and members of the tournament organizing committee.