Chief Coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP) Nasiruddin Patwary has responded to a show-cause notice by defending his controversial Cox’s Bazar trip during the July Uprising anniversary.
In his written explanation submitted to the party on Thursday, Patwary stated that the visit was not for leisure alone, but a time for deep political reflection on the future of the movement, the party, and the prospects for a new democratic constitution.
“I went on a trip, yes, but with the aim of quietly reflecting on the future direction of our politics,” he wrote. “I don’t believe being away from Dhaka on that day was a crime. Sometimes history is born not in meetings, but in moments of solitude, even by the sea.”
Patwary pointed out that he had no assigned duties or formal role in the official anniversary events held on August 5, 2025. “The party never informed me of any responsibilities or planning that required my presence,” he said.
He also clarified that he had informed fellow leader Hasnat Abdullah of his travel plans on the night of August 4. Hasnat, in turn, said he would notify convenor Nahid Islam. Patwary also contacted Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain and was told that three party representatives would attend the state events, and that he had no obligations.
“As I was not given any specific duty and needed some personal space for mental preparation, I made the decision to travel,” he wrote. He was joined on the trip by party leaders Sarjis Alam, Tasnim Jara, and Khaled Saifullah, along with their spouses.
The trip sparked a wave of criticism after photos and videos of the group vacationing by the sea went viral. Rumours began circulating that they had gone to meet former US ambassador Peter Haas, allegedly to conspire against the government.
Patwary strongly denied the rumour, calling it “a planned smear campaign to tarnish our image.” He said the hotel management confirmed that no one named Peter Haas was staying there. “Later, sources confirmed that Mr Haas was in Washington at the time,” he added.
He said the speculation was “baseless and malicious,” and noted that he had previously stayed at the same hotel without controversy. “I’ve travelled before. Never was I told that doing so would violate party rules,” he said.
Calling the show-cause notice “unfounded,” Patwary maintained that the trip was fully transparent, in line with organisational principles, and was primarily for personal introspection. “Nonetheless, out of respect for party discipline and political civility, I am submitting this written reply, as a gesture of civilisation in an increasingly uncivil world,” he concluded.
On August 5, the government held several commemorative events, including a special session at the South Plaza of the National Parliament, where Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus read out the widely anticipated “July Declaration.” The absence of prominent movement coordinators during these events generated widespread discussion.
The NCP responded by issuing show-cause notices to five central leaders, stating that their unapproved trip during a historic moment was politically “irresponsible and frivolous.”