People with ties to fascist regime shouldn’t be adviser: Sarjis

Sarjis Alam, general secretary of the July Martyr Memorial Foundation and leader of the anti-discriminatory student movement, today criticised the absence of representatives from Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Mymensingh divisions in the interim government.

Speaking at an event titled "Bangladesh Stands with Martyr Families" at the Rangpur District Shilpakala Academy, he called the lack of representation "astonishing."

Sarjis pointed out that thirteen advisers in the interim government had been appointed solely from the Chattogram division, questioning whether no capable individuals could be found in the three excluded divisions to manage ministries.

He also criticised the inclusion of filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki as an adviser, alleging that Farooki had maintained ties with the previous fascist regime through "flattery and opportunism".

Sarjis said individuals who remained silent during political struggles should not hold advisory roles in the government.

He also raised concerns about the alleged trend of extortion through arrests following the July uprising, urging authorities to address the issue and end such practices.

During the event, a case was made for including Akhter Hossain, a former social welfare secretary of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) and the member secretary of the National Citizen Committee, in the advisory panel.

Speakers at the event, organised by the July Martyr Memorial Foundation, praised Akhter for his sacrifices during protests against the previous "fascist regime."

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar, Social Welfare Adviser Sharmin Morshed, and the foundation's Chief Executive Officer Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdho were present.