Transfer is not enough punishment for murders by police: Sarjis

Sarjis Alam, a coordinator of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, criticized the lenient penalties for police involved in unjust killings. 

Sarjis pointed out that while civilians face the death penalty for murder, police officers often face only job transfers for similar actions. He called for justice, demanding that police officers responsible for the students and citizens death be brought under the full extent of Bangladeshi law, not just transferred. 

The coordinator delivered these remarks during the sixth anniversary gathering of Rangpur Metropolitan Police on Saturday.

Sarjis further commented on a police image crisis, alleging that some officers prioritize political agendas over public service and maintain silence or inaction on key issues. He also criticized those who supported Awami League in past elections, accusing them of being complicit in fascist tendencies. He emphasized that Bangladesh should not belong to one political party alone, nor should it oppress others, adding, "The independence achieved through the blood of students and citizens should not be compromised."

Earlier in the day, Alam joined Inspector General of Police (IGP) Moinul Islam in visiting the grave of martyr Abu Sayeed at Babonpur in Pirganj upazila of the district, and later met with students at Freedom Memorial at Begum Rokeya University.

Meanwhile, in response to Sarjis Alam and Anti-Discrimination Student Movement coordinator Hasnat Abdullah's arrival in Rangpur, Jatiya Party (JaPa) organized a protest rally with bamboo sticks in hand, marching from their Central Road office through major city streets and gathering for a protest at the Payera Square. 

JaPa leaders expressed frustration over their exclusion from the second round of government dialogues with political parties, following criticism from Alam and Abdullah regarding JaPa's participation in the initial session.

Former Rangpur City Corporation Mayor and JaPa Co-Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Mostafa voiced disappointment, saying, "It's disheartening that JaPa wasn't invited to the second round of discussions based on student activists' statements." 

Earlier, on Friday night, JaPa members held another demonstration, marching from Payera Square to their party office, showing continued disapproval of the student movement�s influence on recent government decisions.