Hasnat faces public scrutiny after visiting ex-Mayor Manzur Alam’s residence

The National Citizen Party (NCP) leader and Cumilla-4 lawmaker Hasnat Abdullah came under public scrutiny after paying a courtesy visit to former Chattogram City Corporation mayor Mohammad Manzur Alam at his residence in the city’s Kattali area on Tuesday (April 14).

According to eyewitness accounts, a group identifying themselves as “July fighters” gathered outside the residence after learning about the visit.

As Hasnat Abdullah left the house, the group confronted him with questions, as seen in videos circulating on social media. They asked why he visited a “politically controversial figure” while previously calling for action against the Awami League in parliament.

The lawmaker was seen gesturing to calm the situation before being escorted away by another individual who helped disperse the crowd.

NCP Chattogram city coordinator and media focal person Ridwan Hridoy said Hasnat Abdullah was in Chattogram on personal work and responded to an invitation for a courtesy meeting with the former mayor.

Manzur Alam later said the meeting was informal and limited to a courtesy exchange.

However, an NCP statement issued later at night said the two leaders discussed the country’s current political situation, public engagement, and future organisational activities, adding that both sides expressed hope for continued cooperation.

Meanwhile, speculation is growing in Chattogram’s political circles over whether Manzur Alam may contest the upcoming Chattogram City Corporation election with NCP support, although he denied any formal political discussion took place.

Manzur Alam, who was elected mayor of Chattogram in 2010 backed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), later served as a BNP advisory council member before stepping back from active politics after the 2015 mayoral election.