Student leaders in Bandarban have declared National Citizens’ Party (NCP) leader Sarjis Alam “unwelcome” in the district, condemning his recent remarks that allegedly insulted the people and the dignity of the hill tracts region.
They also demanded an immediate public apology from Sarjis, warning that until he issues one, both his presence and all political activities of the NCP in Bandarban would be considered completely unwelcome.
The announcement came during a press conference held on Sunday (July 20) at the Bandarban Press Club, under the banner of the local student community.
According to the student leaders, during the July 3rd “July March” in Panchagarh, Sarjis Alam made derogatory comments labeling Bandarban as a “punishment zone” where corrupt and extortionist government officials are sent.
They described the statement as “deeply offensive and humiliating,” asserting that such a comment from a political leader tarnishes the dignity of an entire district and exposes state discrimination and neglect toward the hill tracts.
The students further explained that, following the statement, they contacted local NCP leaders, who assured them that Sarjis would publicly apologize during the July 19 “July March” event scheduled to take place in Bandarban. Trusting that assurance, the student community refrained from any protest at the time.
However, Sarjis Alam was notably absent from the event, and no central NCP leader addressed the issue. When the students approached the stage after the event to remind party leaders about the matter, they were reportedly ignored, and the leaders left the venue without responding.
Student leader Asif Islam stated, “Sarjis Alam`s comments have deeply angered and hurt the student community. Bandarban is not a remote or neglected outpost—it is a culturally and historically rich region with proud and peaceful people. Describing it as a place for punishing officials is an insult to the entire hill community.”
He declared that until Sarjis offers a public apology, “all NCP activities and his presence in Bandarban will be considered completely unwelcome.” He also called for the immediate transfer of government officials who have been assigned to Bandarban as a form of “punishment posting.”
Maher Iftekhar, Vice-President of the Parbatya Chattogram Chhatra Parishad (Hill Tracts Student Council), emphasized the need for strict government action to prevent the portrayal of the region as a place for corrupt or incompetent officials.
Another student leader, Asif Iqbal, said, “To insult Bandarban is to deny our identity. If any political leader disrespects our region, we will resist—regardless of their political affiliation.”
Other attendees at the press conference included Khaleed Bin Nazrul, Zubair Islam, and many other local student activists.
