Panchagarh: July Shaheed Smriti Foundation’s general secretary, Sarjis Alam, has expressed that the organization will not oppose if the forthcoming general election is conducted within a logical timeframe. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the elections are held in a manner that reflects careful planning and adequate preparation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Sarjis highlighted the impracticality of organizing elections within the next six months, labeling such a plan as unrealistic and impossible. He made these remarks while addressing journalists after distributing blankets to those affected by the cold at Maqbular Rahman Government College ground. Sarjis reiterated the significance of not limiting demands to merely holding elections following a major uprising that involved significant sacrifice.
Sarjis Alam voiced optimism that elections would occur soon, transferring power to representatives of the people. However, he pointed out the challenges in updating the voter list and reforming the judicial system within a six-month period. He mentioned that the interim government had announced plans to hold elections by mid-2026, two years ahead of its tenure’s end. Holding elections two to four months earlier than planned, he argued, would be logical.
He further noted that there are discussions about the possibility of elections taking place by December 2025 or January 2026. Sarjis assured that the foundation would not oppose elections if they could be organized within a reasonable time, emphasizing the need for reforms in the Election Commission, judiciary, and law enforcement agencies to ensure transparency.
Sarjis also mentioned plans to form committees in every district and upazila, comprising diverse community members, to prevent injustice and irregularities. Highlighting the discrimination faced by Panchagarh and the Rangpur division over the past 16 years, he criticized the lack of development beyond a few road constructions and the absence of industrial establishments. He committed to advocating for the rights of Panchagarh’s people.
Several notable figures, including Panchagarh District Judge Court Public Prosecutor Advocate Adam Sufi, District Judge Court Government Pleader Abdul Bari, Panchagarh coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Mokaddesur Rahman San, and Chairman of Garinabari Union Parisad Monowar Hossain Dipu, were present at the event.