Jatiya Jubo Shokti, the youth wing of NCP has condemned the incident of “mob violence and harassment” against Hasnat Abdullah, lawmaker for Cumilla-4 , in Chattogram, describing the attack as utterly disgraceful and contrary to democratic values.
In a statement, the organisation said Hasnat Abdullah had gone to pay a courtesy call on former Chattogram mayor and former BNP leader Manzur Alam, who had been nominated by the BNP in 2010 and 2015 and had organised various programmes for Khaleda Zia. “Although no protest was seen at that time, branding him today as an ‘associate’ and carrying out mob aggression against an elected public representative is a clear manifestation of double standards and political intolerance,” the statement read.
Jatiya Jubo Shokti said that while political differences may exist, expressing them through violence, threats or mob mobilisation is never acceptable. It demanded a proper investigation into the incident, swift identification of those involved and exemplary punishment. It also called on all political forces to uphold tolerance and democratic conduct.
The incident took place on Tuesday afternoon at ‘HM Villa’, the residence of former city mayor Manzur Alam in the Uttar Kattali area under Akbar Shah Police Station in Chattogram, where Hasnat Abdullah faced a tense situation. Local BNP leaders and activists reportedly surrounded him for more than an hour.
Eyewitnesses said Hasnat Abdullah arrived at the location in two vehicles around noon, after which news of his presence spread quickly. Within a short time, local BNP leaders and activists gathered in front of the house, encircled the main gate and began demonstrating, creating tension in the area.
During the protest, demonstrators raised various questions, asking why he had gone there to meet a person accused of being an “associate of autocracy” and what the reason was for his presence at the residence of an Awami League leader. They also chanted slogans warning “agents of the Awami League”.
However, local Jubo Dal leader Shahed Akbar said they went to the house after learning of the matter and asked Hasnat Abdullah about the reason for his visit. He said Hasnat had gone there for tea and was later escorted respectfully to his vehicle to avoid any untoward incident.
Offering a different account, Arif Moinuddin, joint coordinator of the Chattogram metropolitan unit of the NCP, said Hasnat Abdullah had travelled to Chattogram for personal reasons. He added that a minor commotion occurred when some Chhatra Dal activists, who had gone to meet him, were unable to take photographs with him.
Officer-in-Charge of Akbar Shah Police Station, Mohammad Kamruzzaman, said the incident did not escalate into any major untoward situation. Although a few individuals chanted slogans, the situation later returned to normal and no special intervention by law enforcement agencies was required.
Later, Hasnat Abdullah came outside, spoke briefly with those present and left the area quickly in the presence of police. The situation returned to normal after his departure.
