No place for AL in politics anymore: Hasnat Abdullah

Jatiya Nagorik Party (NCP) southern region chief organiser and Cumilla-4 (Debidwar) MP Hasnat Abdullah on Monday said Awami League should not be allowed to engage in politics again, alleging that the party leadership fled the country, leaving behind its leaders and activists.

“There may be differences among us, but we are united on the issue of Awami League. The party has no moral right to do politics in this country after its top leaders fled, abandoning millions of activists,” he said while addressing a road march and street rally at Chauddagram Bazar in Cumilla.

Hasnat Abdullah also criticised what he termed inequality among political elites, saying, “We have no house or car in Begumpara, while many of our senior leaders own properties there. Their children study abroad and they seek treatment overseas, while ordinary people depend on local healthcare.”

Calling for structural reforms, he stressed the need to build an unemployment-free Bangladesh by creating jobs for youths and ensuring merit-based recruitment in government sectors.

He also urged the government to expand employment opportunities in the private sector, strengthen the SME sector and modernise the country’s education system.

Referring to the current political and administrative situation, the NCP leader alleged that some overenthusiastic police officials were harassing party activists in hopes of securing promotions.

“Police administration must remain free from political influence. In the past, people were arrested for writing on social media and similar incidents are still occurring. We do not want such a country,” he said.

Describing Chauddagram as a border area vulnerable to drug trafficking, Hasnat Abdullah demanded a zero-tolerance policy against drug peddlers.

“Those involved in drug trade are enemies of the country and the nation. Police and drug dealers cannot work together,” he added.

Among others, NCP Chief Coordinator Naveed Nowroz Shah, Jatiya Jubo Shakti Cumilla divisional organising secretary Abu Sufian Raihan, district joint coordinator Ibrahim Khaled and several local party leaders were present at the programme.

AM