NCP leader regrets 'misunderstanding' over Brahmanbaria remarks

National Citizen Party (NCP) southern region chief organiser Hasnat Abdullah has apologized for remarks made in parliament that led to a misunderstanding with the people of Brahmanbaria. Abdullah, who is also the Cumilla-4 MP, stated on Facebook that his intention was to seek accountability from the home minister regarding the law and order situation and restrictions on cultural activities.

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I regret that the statement I made in parliament seeking accountability from the home minister over the deterioration of the law and order situation created a misunderstanding with the people of Brahmanbaria.

Abdullah explained that his parliamentary question was prompted by the home minister's comments suggesting music and cinema were "almost banned" in Brahmanbaria. He felt this unfairly shifted blame onto local residents and Islamic scholars. Protests erupted in Brahmanbaria following his remarks, with demonstrators demanding an apology.

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The madrasa students did not stop the concert. They only asked for the sound to be lowered.

He admitted to a factual error in parliament, mistakenly mentioning Brahmanbaria instead of Sylhet when referring to a boat race. Abdullah attributed the misunderstanding to the limited time for supplementary questions, which prevented him from providing full context. He also clarified that madrasa students had only requested the volume of a police concert be lowered due to disruptions to examinees, and an argument that followed resulted in injuries.

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I mistakenly said Brahmanbaria instead of Sylhet. I am embarrassed by the unintended misunderstanding caused by this error.

Reaffirming his party's commitment to inclusivity, Abdullah stated, "This Bangladesh belongs to everyone -- there will be mosques, temples, music, waz, shrines, concerts, mahfils, rath yatras, film festivals, as well as discussions by Islamic scholars." He stressed the government's responsibility to protect everyone's rights.

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This Bangladesh belongs to everyone -- there will be mosques, temples, music, waz, shrines, concerts, mahfils, rath yatras, film festivals, as well as discussions by Islamic scholars.