Published: 12:07 AM, 01 August 2026
'Hasina would face execution if she returns'
National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Organiser Nasir Uddin Patwari on Friday said the death sentence against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would be carried out if she returns to Bangladesh.
Speaking at a rally in Companiganj upazila of Sylhet under the party's "July Awakening to Build the Nation" programme, Patwari said Hasina, who he claimed has been staying in New Delhi since being ousted from power, should return if she intends to continue political activities, UNB reports.
Addressing supporters, he said that if Sheikh Hasina set foot on Bangladeshi soil, "the death sentence would be executed," referring to legal proceedings against the former prime minister.
Patwari also alleged that the former government was responsible for the deaths of Abu Sayeed and other protesters during the July 2024 movement, claiming around 400 people were killed. He said the party would continue to seek justice for those deaths.
Replying to a question from journalists before the rally, Patwari said the BNP would face political consequences if it ignored public opinion on state reforms. He claimed that a majority of voters had supported reforms and warned that opposing them could erode the party's public support.
He also criticised the government over electricity, gas and fuel shortages, alleging that government benefits, including agricultural cards, were being distributed to BNP activists instead of ordinary people.
Patwari further claimed the country's economy had stagnated, citing the slow reopening of Malaysia's labour market and the lack of expected outcomes from a recent visit to China.
He said the NCP's three key demands before the election were ensuring a credible election, implementing state reforms and bringing those responsible for alleged crimes during the Awami League government to justice.
The rally, chaired by Companiganj Upazila NCP Convener Ubaid Ahmed, was also addressed by the party's Northern Region Chief Coordinator Sarjis Alam, reserved seat lawmaker Dr Mahmuda Mitu and local NCP leaders.
Several speakers also alleged that some BNP activists were involved in land grabbing, tender manipulation and extortion, urging the party leadership to take action against those responsible.
