Why Did NCP Leader Hasnat Abdullah Call July Declaration 'Incomplete'?
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Synopsis
In a striking move, Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Organiser of the NCP in Bangladesh, labels the July Declaration 'incomplete' during a social media response. His absence from the reading ceremony, marked as a silent protest, raises questions about unity and representation within political movements. What does this mean for the future of Bangladesh's political landscape?
Key Takeaways
- Hasnat Abdullah calls the July Declaration 'incomplete'.
- His absence was a deliberate silent protest.
- Criticism of the exclusion of key voices from the movement.
- Highlighting the need for unity over division in political discourse.
- Accusations against media and intelligence agencies for misrepresentation.
Dhaka, August 7 (NationPress) Hasnat Abdullah, the Chief Organiser of Bangladesh's National Citizens Party (NCP) in the southern region, expressed on Thursday that he “did not feel the need” to be present at the July Declaration reading ceremony led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus on August 5, citing that the event was overshadowed by the words of a “handful of groups” rather than promoting unity.
Abdullah, alongside Sarjis Alam, was part of the 'Anti-Discrimination Student Movement' that contributed to the downfall of the government under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. He described his absence as a “silent protest” against what he deemed the “incomplete” July Declaration.
On Thursday, Abdullah took to social media to respond to a showcause notice sent to him by the party for his non-attendance at the event.
The notice, which was issued to five NCP leaders, including Abdullah, regarding their visit to Cox's Bazar on July 5 Uprising Day, mandated them to provide written explanations to the party's top two leaders within 24 hours concerning their visit.
Abdullah articulated his reasoning on August 4, stating that he learned many of the injured and prominent activists from the movement were completely excluded from the event, representing both a political and moral failure. Consequently, he opted not to participate.
“I did not feel any desire or need to be present where division is prioritized over unity, and where the voices of a few groups overshadow those of the martyrs and injured,” he expressed. He decided to leave Dhaka the following day to reassess previous decisions during this crucial time, understand recent developments, and contemplate future actions as part of his silent protest against the incomplete July Declaration.
Abdullah criticized the state intelligence agency for documenting their movements at the airport and disseminating the information to the media. In response to the notice, he stated, “In collusion with certain media and intelligence agencies, our actions have been portrayed as criminal and suspicious. Rumors have circulated that we were heading to a clandestine meeting with Peter Haas to orchestrate a conspiracy against democracy. However, he was not even in Bangladesh at that time.” He expressed his surprise and anger at the ongoing misconduct by the intelligence agencies and some media in new Bangladesh.
According to Abdullah, the NCP should have taken decisive action against the intelligence agency and the “dishonest media” rather than issuing a showcause notice. He urged the public to reflect on the political wisdom behind releasing such an ‘unlawful’ condolence letter and its media coverage.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the significance of Hasnat Abdullah's stance. His criticisms highlight a crucial aspect of political discourse—representation. The call for unity amidst division is a pressing issue in our political landscape. It is vital for parties to reflect on the voices that are often sidelined, ensuring that every citizen feels included in the democratic process. The future of our democracy hinges on such discussions.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason for Hasnat Abdullah's absence from the July Declaration?
Hasnat Abdullah did not attend the July Declaration ceremony due to his belief that it was dominated by the opinions of a few groups rather than promoting unity among all members.
What does Abdullah mean by 'incomplete' July Declaration?
He refers to the exclusion of many injured and prominent leaders from the movement, indicating that the declaration failed to represent the broader sentiments of the community.
Who issued the showcause notice to Abdullah?
The notice was issued to him and four other NCP leaders regarding their visit to Cox's Bazar on July 5 Uprising Day.
What actions did Abdullah take in response to the notice?
He publicly responded on social media, asserting his reasons for absence and criticizing the handling of the event by the party.
What broader implications does Abdullah's protest have?
His protest raises questions about unity, representation, and the political wisdom within the NCP, potentially influencing the party's future direction.
