Sarjis declared unwelcome in Bandarban for ‘derogatory remarks’

Student leaders in Bandarban have declared Sarjis Alam, chief organizer of the National Citizens' Party (NCP) for the northern region, unwelcome in the district, accusing him of making offensive and discriminatory comments about the area and its people.

At a press conference held at the Bandarban Press Club on Sunday under the banner of Chhatra Samaj, student representatives condemned Alam’s comments made on July 3 during a public event in Panchagarh. In his speech, Alam reportedly referred to Bandarban as a “punishment posting” for “corrupt and extortionist officials.”

Terming the remarks “insulting and discriminatory,” student leaders demanded a public apology. They stated that until Alam offers a formal apology, his presence in Bandarban and any political activities of the NCP will be considered completely unwelcome.

“We contacted local NCP leaders, who assured us that Alam would apologize publicly during the July 19 program in Bandarban. However, he failed to attend,” said a student representative.

The student leaders emphasized the cultural and historical significance of Bandarban, describing it as a region of dignity, peace, and self-respect. “To demean this area is to insult the entire population of the Chittagong Hill Tracts,” they said.

They further demanded the immediate withdrawal of government officials who were posted to Bandarban as a form of punishment, and urged the government to take strict action to stop the portrayal of the region as a place for punitive transfers of corrupt officials.

“As long as such narratives persist, the dignity of hill communities will remain under threat,” said Asif Iqbal, president of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Student Council. “Disrespecting Bandarban is equivalent to denying our existence. We will resist such attempts regardless of political background.”