April 12: Sarjis Alam, Chief Organizer (Northern Region) of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has commented on the suspension of the transshipment facility that allowed Bangladesh to transport goods to third countries using Indian territory. However, instead of an aggressive stance against India, his remarks indicate a strategic balance. This raises the question—is anti-India sentiment fading among political leaders?

On Saturday afternoon, while attending the concluding day of a two-day mushroom and pearl cultivation training program organized by the district administration at Mirgarh in Dhakkamara Union of Panchagarh Sadar, Sarjis responded to a journalist’s question.

He said, “We believe that if anyone unjustly or unethically deprives us of a certain benefit, Bangladesh, as a sovereign nation, will surely explore alternative options. In today’s global world, there’s always an alternative to everything.”

“Bangladesh and India are neighboring countries,” he added. “We do not expect the relationship to become confrontational. However, India’s behavior and perspective towards Bangladesh will determine the future of our bilateral relations.”

The NCP leader further stated, “Not just India, if any country in the world tries to pressure us in terms of trade deals or other privileges, we believe the entire world is open to us. We expect India to act not as a political party, but as a responsible state, and to honor and maintain its commercial agreements with other countries.”

When asked about a recent comment made by BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu—“Sarjis Alam should be the Prime Minister”—he responded, “That’s probably his personal opinion, not BNP’s official stance. And from our side, we don’t have such expectations.”

Sarjis further said, “They are our seniors in politics, and we want to learn and move forward by observing them. But if seniors make vengeful or belittling remarks about those younger than them, it brings back a toxic culture. We saw this when Sheikh Hasina used to speak disparagingly about Dr. Yunus, and Khaleda Zia did the same to others. Such behavior damages the harmony and respectful relationships among political personalities. We don’t want to see that culture again—especially not through them.”

Courtesy: Dhaka Tribune