Hasnat claims that discussions with the army's top leadership constitute political interference

Hasnat Abdullah Calls Senior Army Officials' Discussion Political Interference

Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Organiser of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has stated that the party views discussions with senior army officials as an act of political interference.

“The discussion was initiated by high-ranking army authorities, and we consider it an intrusion into political affairs,” he told the media during a press briefing at the NCP headquarters in Bangla Motor on Friday. He stressed that political decisions should remain within the domain of politicians, saying, “The course of political developments should be determined by politicians. Due to our concerns, I posted a status yesterday (Thursday).”

Hasnat clarified that he had already addressed the details of the discussion in his Facebook post. He wrote, “A scheme is underway to introduce a new political project called ‘Refined Awami League,’ orchestrated entirely by India, featuring Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, and Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh as key figures.” He claimed this plan was presented to him at the cantonment on 11 March, where they were offered a seat-sharing arrangement in return for accepting the proposal. “We were informed that several political parties had received the same proposal and had already agreed to a conditional rehabilitation of Awami League. The idea is that multiple opposition parties, including a weakened Awami League, are preferable to a single opposition force.”

When asked about his visit to the cantonment, Hasnat responded, “With the army being granted magistracy power, many have concerns about law and order. We were invited to discuss these matters.”

Further explaining his position, he said, “Recently, the army chief made a statement that many, including myself, found inappropriate in a political context. His remarks about the interim government and the indication of an inclusive election involving Awami League raised concerns. We attended the discussion as we were informed that these broader issues would be addressed.”

Regarding personal security, Hasnat dismissed fears, saying, “Before 5 August, we led movements alongside students and the public. There was a force, and an agency, resisting fascism. The government opposed us, but we repeatedly stated that the fight continues—and it still does. As long as anti-fascist political parties remain united, I do not feel at risk.”

On the call to ban Awami League, he questioned, “Since 5 August, has Awami League shown any remorse? They have not even admitted to the massacre. Our stance is clear: Awami League must first face trial as a party and acknowledge its crimes—only then can discussions take place. No talks can proceed before that.”

Hasnat Abdullah reaffirmed NCP’s resistance to any efforts aimed at rehabilitating Awami League. “After 5 August, we declared that Awami League’s name, symbol, and ideology have lost their relevance. If any foreign or local forces attempt to revive it, we, alongside the students and the families of victims, are committed to resisting such efforts.”