Hasnat Abdullah Faces Protest at Ex-Mayor’s Residence in Chattogram

NCP leader and Member of Parliament for Cumilla-4, Hasnat Abdullah, was confronted by a group of protesting BNP activists after visiting the residence of former Chattogram City Corporation Mayor M Monjur Alam. The situation escalated into a brief standoff, during which the lawmaker was reportedly confined inside the premises for nearly an hour before police intervention allowed him to leave safely.

The incident took place on Tuesday (14 April) in the port city of Chattogram and quickly drew local political attention, sparking tensions between supporters of different political groups.

Arrival and Immediate Escalation

According to eyewitness accounts, Hasnat Abdullah arrived at the former mayor’s residence in two vehicles during the afternoon. News of his presence spread rapidly, prompting BNP activists from the surrounding area to gather outside the house within a short time.

The protesters soon surrounded the main entrance of the residence and began staging demonstrations, effectively blocking movement in and out of the premises. As the crowd grew, the situation turned increasingly tense, leading to what witnesses described as an informal “encirclement” of the visiting MP.

Slogans and Heated Exchange

During the protest, demonstrators raised a series of political questions and accusations directed at Hasnat Abdullah. They demanded clarification over his visit to what they described as the residence of a political figure with controversial affiliations.

Chanting slogans such as “Awami League collaborators must be warned”, the protesters questioned the purpose of the meeting and alleged political alignment concerns regarding those present at the residence.

The situation remained volatile as tensions escalated, with both sides engaged in verbal exchanges. However, no reports of physical confrontation were immediately confirmed.

Police Intervention and Resolution

As the situation intensified, law enforcement personnel arrived at the scene and intervened to restore order. Police officials subsequently facilitated discussions and helped de-escalate the confrontation.

Following a brief exchange with the protesters under police supervision, Hasnat Abdullah left the premises safely after approximately one hour of being effectively confined inside the residence.

Authorities later confirmed that the situation had been brought under control and that normalcy returned to the area within a short period.

Background of the Residence Owner

M Monjur Alam, the former mayor of Chattogram City Corporation, has had a politically diverse career. At different points, he has been associated with both the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Awami League.

He was elected mayor in 2010 as a BNP-backed candidate and later served as an adviser to the BNP chairperson. In subsequent years, he was also seen participating in events linked to the Awami League, contributing to his reputation as a politically flexible figure in Chattogram’s local political landscape.

Political Context and Local Reactions

The incident highlights continuing political sensitivities in Chattogram, where visits by national-level politicians to figures with shifting affiliations often trigger strong reactions from opposing party activists.

While no official statement of injury or damage was reported, the episode underscores the fragility of political engagements in volatile local environments, particularly where historical party loyalties intersect with present-day rivalries.

Authorities have not confirmed whether any further investigation or preventive measures will be taken following the incident, though police presence in the area was temporarily increased as a precaution.