Better to Die Than Form Alliance with Extortionists: Hasnat

Hasnat Abdullah, central chief organizer (Southern region) of the National Citizens Party (NCP), said that it is better to die than to form an alliance with those involved in rampant extortion in neighborhoods. The BNP has worked hard to sustain the party. Many BNP leaders and activists are now constrained by their leaders. They often tell us, “Take the country on the right path.” Our party has been looted by them. We have fought through blood and sweat for voting rights and people’s freedom.

He made these remarks as the chief guest at the NCP district committee coordination meeting held Monday (10 November) evening at the Chandpur District Shilpakala Academy auditorium.

Hasnat further stated that there are many good people in the BNP who are not involved in any criminal activity, and they will be welcomed into their party. Those who follow the ideals of Ziaur Rahman can never engage in extortion.

Regarding his own party, he said that many people now mock NCP while sitting in tea shops, and after the elections, no one will hear from them. He urged, “Good work begins with a small number of people. It is wrong to assume that those in majority are always benevolent. Benefactors are always few. Those who fought during Hasina’s time were also few in number.”

Addressing the party activists, he said many are quorum participants. Currently, in the district’s eight upazilas, the necessary number of representatives are not present. How will you then work? We do not need quorum-based members. An NCP committee can function well with ten dedicated members.

Regarding the national parliamentary elections, he said, “We expect a fair election. However, many have chosen bullets over ballots. They think they can lead the country under fascist rule through fear of bullets. Already, they are spreading messages house to house, saying if you vote for NCP, there will be consequences after the election. We want to assure the public – those who are afraid, scare others. Brave people do not scare; they work in harmony with the people. One party is currently struggling for survival.”

Other speakers at the meeting included central joint chief organizer and Comilla divisional organizational secretary Md. Ataullah, central joint secretary Muhammad Miraj Mia, central joint chief organizer Md. Arif Talukdar, central joint chief coordinator and Comilla regional supervisor Navid Nawroz Shah, central joint chief coordinator Md. Mahbub Alam, and central member Md. Saiful Islam.

Speakers urged making the organizational activities of the National Citizens Party more dynamic and emphasized the importance of party members working in unity.

Khaborwala/TSN