Cox’s Bazar trip was silent protest against July Manifesto: Hasnat

The National Citizens Party (NCP) southern region chief organizer Hasnat Abdullah has described his recent visit to Cox’s Bazar as a "silent protest" against what he called the "incomplete July Manifesto" presented by the government following the July Uprising.

In a lengthy statement shared on his verified Facebook page on Thursday (August 7), Hasnat responded to a show-cause notice issued by the NCP over his absence during the July Uprising Day events on August 5. The party had demanded explanations from five senior leaders, including Hasnat, after their Cox’s Bazar visit sparked internal backlash and media attention.

Hasnat stated that his absence was a personal decision in protest of how the July Manifesto was drafted, arguing it failed to represent the true spirit of the uprising. "People sacrificed their lives hoping for a new, just Bangladesh. Yet, the declaration ignored the voices of the very people who led the movement — the martyrs’ families, the injured, and grassroots leaders," he wrote.

He further criticized the declaration for stating that constitutional reforms would be left to the next elected government, calling the claim "false" and a "barrier to fundamental change." Hasnat reaffirmed his position that a new constitution should be drafted through a Constituent Assembly to replace what he termed a “fascist system.”

Hasnat also revealed that he had informed the party's chief coordinator, Nasiruddin Patwari, of his two-day trip prior to departure. Patwari allegedly confirmed that the party convener was aware and had no objection.

Reacting strongly to media coverage and surveillance of the trip, Hasnat accused intelligence agencies of "demonizing" their movements by leaking videos and photos to selected media outlets, who then sensationalized the visit. He also dismissed rumors of a secret meeting with U.S. Ambassador Peter Haas, stating the ambassador was not even in the country at the time.

Hasnat condemned what he called the "slut-shaming" and targeted online harassment of fellow traveler Tasnim Zara, calling it “vile, unacceptable, and reminiscent of authoritarian smear tactics.”

Criticizing the party leadership, Hasnat said the NCP failed to defend its members against the attacks and instead fueled conspiracy theories by issuing vague and arbitrary notices. "If any complaint is to be made, it must reference a specific violation of party bylaws, which this notice does not," he argued.

Despite his criticisms, Hasnat concluded by thanking the party for allowing him the opportunity to clarify his position.