STORM IN BRAHMANBARIA
Published: 01:18 AM, 30 August 2026 Last Update: 01:19 AM, 30 August 2026
NCP Firm on Event Venue as Local Standoff Persists Despite Hasnat's Apology
Tensions flared across Brahmanbaria on Saturday as a political standoff mounted over remarks made in Parliament by Hasnat Abdullah, Member of Parliament for Cumilla-4 and chief organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP). Despite a public statement of regret issued by the lawmaker, local student groups vowed to block the party's scheduled assembly, prompting municipal authorities to step in.
The confrontation stems from a parliamentary session on Thursday, during which Hasnat criticized the government over the disruption of cultural programs and traditional boat races at the Kishoreganj and Brahmanbaria police lines. The comments sparked immediate outrage among local religious groups. Late Friday night, hundreds of activists under the banner of the Qawmi Student Unity Council marched through the town's main thoroughfares, staging a rally outside the Brahmanbaria Press Club. Demonstrators demanded a full public apology and warned that the NCP would be barred from holding its organizational meeting at the District Shilpakala Academy.
Administration Denies Venue Access
As both sides braced for a potential showdown on Saturday afternoon, Deputy Commissioner Md. Abu Sayeed intervened, confirming that neither group had received clearance to use the government venue.
"The NCP initially indicated they were holding an indoor meeting at the Shilpakala Academy," Sayeed stated at 2:00 PM. "However, they did not disclose that it would be a political rally. We cannot grant permission under those parameters, as the academy is not designated for political functions."
Addressing the counter-program announced by student groups, the Deputy Commissioner added, "We have received no formal notice regarding the madrasa students' gathering. The auditorium remains off-limits to both parties without explicit administrative authorization."
Clarification and Retraction
Attempting to defuse the rising friction, Hasnat published a detailed clarification on his verified social media page at 1:30 PM on Saturday.
The lawmaker expressed regret for the "unintended misunderstanding," clarifying that his parliamentary inquiry was intended to hold the Home Ministry accountable for local law enforcement lapses rather than cast aspersions on the residents or Islamic scholars of Brahmanbaria. He further acknowledged a factual error during his speech, admitting he had mistakenly referenced a boat race in Brahmanbaria instead of Sylhet.
"This Bangladesh belongs to everyone-there will be mosques, temples, music, religious sermons, shrines, and cultural festivals," Hasnat wrote, asserting that the state must safeguard diversity without letting any group curtail the rights of others.
Stalemate at the Shilpakala
Despite the statement, organizers of the Qawmi Student Unity Council signaled they would not stand down immediately. Abdul Khalek, a member of the group's executive committee, noted at noon that internal consultations were ongoing, but their planned stance remained active.
Meanwhile, central leadership from the NCP insisted the program would proceed. Abdullah Al Mahmud Jihan, a central organizer, argued that indoor administrative spaces routinely host party workshops, confirming that dialogue with local authorities was underway. By 2:00 PM, NCP Organizational Secretary Md. Ataullah announced that security assurances had been sought from local police, calling on supporters to gather peacefully.
Local police contingents have been deployed around the District Shilpakala Academy premises to maintain order and prevent potential clashes.
