On the anniversary of the July Uprising, five top leaders of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) stirred political debate by traveling to Cox’s Bazar on what they claimed was a “personal trip”—instead of attending the state observance. Their absence sparked criticism and speculation, including rumors of a secret meeting with former US Ambassador Peter Haas, which they have denied.

In response, the NCP leadership issued a show-cause notice to the five leaders, demanding an explanation within 24 hours for undertaking the trip without prior approval. The notice, signed by the party’s convener and member secretary, was sent on Wednesday (August 6).

Nasiruddin Patwari, the party’s chief coordinator, was the first to respond publicly. On Thursday (August 7), he shared his written reply on his verified Facebook account.

In his statement, Patwari wrote:

“On August 5, I had no official or organizational responsibilities scheduled. The party did not assign me any task or inform me of any planned activities. On the night of August 4, Hasnat Abdullah, the party’s chief organizer, contacted me using a colleague’s phone and said he was planning a two-day trip with his school friends. I advised him to notify the convener, and he assured me that he would do so. He also asked me to stay informed, since his own phone had been stolen during a recent march.”

“That same night, I met the convener in person and informed him of the matter. I also spoke to the member secretary over the phone, who confirmed that three representatives from the party were already assigned to attend the official program—and I had no designated role. Given the absence of duties and the need for mental rejuvenation, I decided to go on the trip. I was accompanied by Sarjees Alam and his wife Tasnim Zahra-Khaled Saifullah.”

He clarified that while it was a leisure trip, it also served a political purpose:

“My goal was to reflect quietly on the future of our movement—thinking deeply about the civic uprising, the structure of the Citizens’ Committee and NCP, a potential future constituent assembly, and the blueprint for a new democratic constitution. I don’t consider this an offense; rather, I see it as a form of responsible political introspection.”

Addressing the rumors about Peter Haas, Patwari said:

“Shortly after we arrived in Cox’s Bazar, a rumor spread that we were meeting former US Ambassador Peter Haas. I immediately informed the media that this was false and politically motivated. The hotel management confirmed that no such guest was present, and later sources confirmed that Mr. Haas was in Washington at the time.”

He added:

“This false narrative was a deliberate attempt to damage our image. I’ve stayed at this hotel before without any controversy. I’ve taken personal trips before, and never received any indication from the party that such actions violated protocol.”

In conclusion, Patwari wrote:

“Given the context, I believe the show-cause notice lacks factual basis. My trip was transparent, not in conflict with any party regulations, and purely for personal reflection. Nevertheless, out of respect for party discipline and political decorum, I am submitting this written explanation—as a gesture of civility in an uncivil world.”