Sarjis accuses political figures of corruption and exploitation

Sarjis Alam, the chief organizer of the National Citizens' Committee, has accused prominent figures, including Salman F. Rahman, of exploiting the country's resources for personal gain. 

Speaking at an event in Dohar on Tuesday evening, organized by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the National Citizens' Committee, Sarjis criticized what he referred to as "unfavorable pirs and dervishes" who he claims have plundered the nation.  

Sarjis alleged that political manipulation and corruption were rampant, citing the creation of a parliamentary constituency by merging two upazilas to consolidate power. He stated that while gas lines were extended 300 kilometers away, areas closer to the capital, including those in Rahman�s region, were deliberately excluded to protect personal business interests.  

He accused Rahman and his associates of misappropriating funds meant for river embankments, engaging in sand trading, land grabbing, and running syndicate businesses. �These so-called dervishes have not only exploited the economy but also taken money from the pockets of laborers,� Sarjis said. He further alleged that a single bank had been looted of 30,000 crore taka, claiming, �If this money belongs to the state, then it belongs to the people.�  

Sarjis also criticized these figures for exploiting religious values for personal benefit. �They wear beards, caps, and traditional attire to project Islamic values while simultaneously draining the nation�s resources,� he said, accusing them of widespread extortion and illegal land acquisition.  

Arif Sohel, member secretary of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, emphasized the importance of creating a document to honor the July revolution. He stated that this document should include signatures from the country�s key policymakers and politicians, ensuring it serves as a foundation that the nation cannot deviate from.  

The event was chaired by Mohammad Rasel Ahmed, logistics secretary of the National Citizens' Committee, and moderated by Adnan Mahmud and Billal Hossain from the logistics cell of the Dhaka District Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Other prominent attendees included Joint Chief Organizer Mohammad Nizam Uddin, Women�s Affairs Secretary Sadia Farzana, and central coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Hasibul Islam.