Sarjis: Fair polls unlikely without Election Commission reform

Sarjis Alam, general secretary of the July Shaheed Smrity Foundation and coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, said that a fair election cannot be expected without reforms to the Election Commission, which he called "the most corrupt institution under the Awami League government’s 16-year tenure."

He said this while addressing journalists after distributing financial aid cheques to the families of martyrs at the Sylhet deputy commissioner's office on Saturday.

Sarjis said: "People didn’t sacrifice their lives just for elections or to witness a coup. For the past 16 years, the people have been backed against the wall by a corrupt system."

He emphasized: "We’re not demanding a total overhaul before the elections. Reforms won’t happen overnight or even in the next few years. It requires reasonable time to repair what has been systematically damaged over 16 years."

Sarjis also criticized the country’s constitutional history, saying: "In the last 53 years, the constitution hasn’t ensured a stable, five-year government, nor has it protected our constitutional rights. Constitutional reforms are also essential. Every administration comes to power with promises, only to abandon their manifesto and forget they serve the people.”

He further alleged that certain Awami League-affiliated individuals remain in the High Court without merit, reaching their positions through “flattery and sycophancy,” and urged their removal.

Chief Executive Officer of the July Shaheed Smrity Foundation Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdha, and a delegation of 10 members were also present at the check distribution ceremony.