National Citizen Party (NCP) Central Chief Organiser (Southern Region) Hasnat Abdullah has said that it is preferable to choose death rather than form electoral alliances with those involved in extortion at neighbourhood levels. He stated that the BNP has survived through immense struggle, yet many of its leaders and activists are now marginalised by their own leadership. According to him, BNP workers often approach NCP leaders, urging them to lead the country in the right direction, claiming their party has been “hijacked”. He said NCP activists shed blood and sweat in movements for voting rights and people’s freedom.
Hasnat made these remarks on Monday night (10 November) while speaking as the chief guest at the NCP district committee coordination meeting held at Chandpur Shilpakala Academy auditorium.
He further said that there are many good people within the BNP who are not involved in any criminal activities, and such individuals would be welcomed into the NCP. He added that those who truly believe in the ideals of former president Ziaur Rahman can never be involved in extortion.
Responding to criticism of his party, Hasnat said many people mock the NCP at tea stalls, claiming the party will disappear after the election. He countered this by saying that all meaningful work begins with a small number of committed people. The notion that those in greater numbers are always benevolent is flawed. History shows that reformists and welfare-driven individuals are always fewer in number. Even during Sheikh Hasina’s rule, those who fought and protested were limited in number.
Addressing party leaders and activists, he criticised the culture of merely filling quorums. He noted that representatives from all eight upazilas of the district were not present in adequate numbers. Without dedicated and capable people, organisational work is impossible, he said, adding that NCP does not need quorum-fillers but committed individuals. Ten honest and capable people are enough to form a strong committee, he asserted.
Regarding the upcoming national parliamentary election, Hasnat expressed hope for a fair and credible poll. However, he warned that some groups have chosen bullets over ballots and believe intimidation can once again push the country towards fascism. He claimed that voters are being threatened with consequences if they vote for NCP. Reassuring the public, he said those who are fearful are the ones who spread fear, while the brave work alongside the people. He concluded by stating that one political party is currently facing an existential crisis.
Special guests at the meeting included Central Joint Chief Organiser and Cumilla Divisional Organising Secretary Md Ataullah, Central Joint Member Secretary Muhammad Miraj Mia, Central Joint Chief Organiser Md Arif Talukdar, Central Joint Chief Coordinator and Cumilla regional supervisor Navid Nawroz Shah, Central Joint Chief Coordinator Md Mahbub Alam, and Central Member Md Saiful Islam. Speakers urged unity and greater dynamism in organisational activities.
GLIVE/TSN