Hasnat Abdullah, the chief southern organiser of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has added a new dimension to the ongoing debate surrounding the party and the interim government’s student advisers. In a lengthy Facebook post on Thursday, he warned against the influence of so-called “external political patrons (madbars),” stating: “We must not allow outsiders to hijack our democratic future in the name of political guardianship.”
He also accused certain groups of deliberately trying to portray the NCP as anti-election. According to Hasnat, a section is spreading misleading propaganda to tarnish the image of the NCP—such as rumours that the student advisers wish to remain in power for an extended time.
Hasnat pointed out that NCP convener Nahid Islam clearly stated the party’s position in a press conference on May 21: “We supported the timeline set by the Chief Adviser—from December to June—for elections. But we also demanded justice and reform within this period.”
He noted that adviser Mahfuz Alam reiterated multiple times, including on May 10, that “the election must be held between December and June.” Given these statements, Hasnat questioned the legitimacy of blocking roads demanding the advisers’ resignation.
He further warned of a subconscious trend of granting the military informal political arbitration powers. Recalling that the BNP itself suffered from military intervention during the 1/11 crisis, and citing torture on Tarique Rahman, Hasnat emphasized: “The military is a vigilant guardian of our sovereignty. If needed, we will fight alongside them to protect the country. But the political interference that led to the 2024 uprising must not be repeated. We must remain alert to anyone paving the way for another 1/11 by inviting military mediation.”
Thanking those who supported the call to ban the Awami League, Hasnat stressed the need for unity in pursuing their trial. He said, “It is disheartening to see some major parties remain indifferent. All political forces must now work together to ensure democratic practices, justice for AL’s actions, institutional reform, and prompt elections. Squandering the post-2024 public mandate for short-term gains would be a historic failure.”
North zone NCP organiser criticizes judiciary bias
Meanwhile, without naming the case of Ishraque Hossain, NCP’s north zone chief organiser Sarjis Alam wrote on Facebook: “If mobs can influence High Court verdicts, what’s the point of having a High Court?”
In a follow-up post, Sarjis alleged clear bias in the judiciary.
“With money or party recommendations, many AL-affiliated murderers get bail. But victims of oppression during the AL regime don’t get bail, because they lack money or influence,” he claimed.
Referring to the 2013 Shapla Chattar crackdown, he said: Many Hefazat clerics are still stuck in legal battles or behind bars. Yet, hardcore criminals jailed during BNP’s rule are now getting bail.
Sarjis asked: Who is recommending these bails? Which lawyers or judges are making this possible?
He added: “So much bloodshed happened at Hasina’s command, yet not a single murder case has been resolved in nine months!”
He raised a question to interim Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul: “Can Asif Nazrul sir avoid responsibility for this? Should we now demand his resignation?”