‘Yes’ vote key to reform, not threat to independence: Sarjis Alam

National Citizen Party (NCP)’s Chief Coordinator for Northern region and the 11-party alliance candidate for the Panchagarh-1 constituency Sarjis Alam has urged voters to vote for ‘yes’ in upcoming referendum, dismissing claims that Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 would be at risk if people vote for ‘yes.’

Speaking during election campaigns and yard meetings in various villages of Mirzapur Union in Panchagarh’s Atwari Upazila on Tuesday, Sarjis Alam said those spreading such messages “lack minimum knowledge and education” and they are misleading the public for their own political gains.

“These people want to become a new dictator,” he told reporters during his campaign tour in the afternoon, on the sixth day of his constituency visits ahead of the 13th National Parliament election.

During his campaign, Sarjis Alam also addressed the grievances of local residents and made several promises to deal with their issues.

Referring to the referendum, he said, “If you vote ‘yes,’ ‘71 will not disappear. Those who say this do not have the minimum knowledge and education.”

He added that opponents of the reform process were seeking to impose a new dictatorship and suppress the people’s voice.

He recalled the sacrifices made during Bangladesh’s second independence, saying that over a thousand martyrs gave their lives for the country’s independence.

“The main reason for our freedom was that the people of Bangladesh wanted reform and change,” he said, “This reform can only be achieved through the implementation of the July Charter, which requires a ‘yes’ vote in the referendum.”

Sarjis Alam emphasised the importance of supporting the referendum, saying, “For the sake of Bangladesh and its people, if we want to reform the systems and maintain political balance, a ‘yes’ vote is essential. There is no alternative.”

He concluded by expressing confidence that the July Charter would be implemented with a ‘yes’ vote and that the 11-party alliance and Shapla Koli would lead the country towards building a new Bangladesh.