Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Organizer (Southern Region) of the National Citizens’ Party, has criticized the prolonged lack of voter participation under the Awami League’s rule, claiming that the administration, rather than the people, has controlled the elections for the past 15 years. He emphasized that without administrative reforms, fair elections remain uncertain.
Speaking at a public iftar gathering in Comilla’s Shasongacha Bus Stand on Wednesday, organized in memory of the martyrs and injured of the ‘24 Uprising,’ Abdullah stressed the need for local elections as a test of administrative transparency. He urged the interim government to prioritize local polls, even if held in phases, to ensure a credible electoral process.
He also issued a stern warning against any political efforts to reinstate the Awami League, vowing to resist such attempts. “If extortionists and market grabbers attempt to exploit their influence, hand them over to the police. There will be no place for extortionists in Comilla. If anyone asks for money, tell them to collect it from Hasnat Abdullah,” he declared.
Referring to past political movements, Abdullah asserted that student activists and citizens had shed blood to remove the Awami League from power, only to now witness attempts to rehabilitate the party. He warned political factions against such efforts, stating, “Just as a single sheath cannot hold two swords, Bangladesh cannot accommodate both the Awami League and MCP after August 5.”
Liberty News’ political correspondent states that the event was attended by key political figures, including Advocate Tariqul Islam, Joint Chief Coordinator of the National Citizens’ Committee, and Rifad Rashid Rubel, Joint Member Secretary of the National Citizens’ Party, along with Abu Raihan and Rashedul Islam from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
LND/BG
