Despite Hasnat's apology, Qawmi students hold 'Islamic programme' at NCP venue

Although MP Hasnat Abdullah expressed regret over the misunderstanding caused by his remarks about the people of Brahmanbaria, the Qawmi Student Unity Council has maintained its scheduled programme against him. The organisation announced that it would hold an Islamic cultural programme on Saturday afternoon (August 29) at the venue of the National Citizen Party's (NCP) event.

Earlier, on Friday midnight, madrasa students under the banner of the Qawmi Student Unity Council protested in Brahmanbaria against Hasnat Abdullah's remarks. At that time, they announced that they would resist the NCP programme unless Hasnat apologised .

The NCP's Brahmanbaria district committee was scheduled to hold an organisational coordination meeting and political workshop at the district Shilpakala Academy auditorium at 4pm on Saturday. Prior to that, the Qawmi Student Unity Council called for an Islamic cultural programme at the same venue at 3pm.

Meanwhile, in a social media post on Saturday morning, Hasnat Abdullah expressed regret over the misunderstanding with the people of Brahmanbaria and admitted his factual error regarding the location of the boat race.

However, when asked whether the programme would be withdrawn despite Hasnat's apology, Abdul Khalek, a member of the convening committee of the Brahmanbaria Qawmi Student Unity Council, said, "Our programme remains in place. We are deliberating. Since we have announced the programme, we will hold our position, inshallah."

On the other hand, the district administration said the Shilpakala Academy auditorium had not been approved for the NCP's political event. Deputy Commissioner Md Abu Sayeed said the NCP authorities had informed the administration that they would hold a private event, not a political rally. He also said the Qawmi students had not informed the administration about their programme, and therefore, the Shilpakala Academy auditorium could not be used without permission.

Amid this situation, tensions and uncertainty have arisen in Brahmanbaria over the Qawmi students' programme, even after Hasnat Abdullah's apology.