Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP) for the southern region, strongly criticized Sheikh Hasina, stating, “Even if ten Pharaohs were combined, they would not match her. No one has been as ruthless and oppressive as her.”

He made these remarks on Monday evening (March 24) at an Iftar and prayer gathering held at the Kasba Women’s College grounds in Brahmanbaria. The event, organized by the NCP’s Kasba Upazila branch, honored the families of martyrs from the July uprising, wounded fighters, and representatives from various social sectors.

Hasnat described the Awami League’s rule as an era of ignorance and lawlessness, comparing it to the chaos, enforced disappearances, killings, and repression seen in ancient times. He emphasized that recent discussions in Bangladesh highlight the need for institutions to remain neutral, particularly addressing the role of the Bangladesh Army. He acknowledged the army’s presence on August 5, standing with students and civilians against the Awami League, and urged them never to act against the people.

Regarding elections, Hasnat condemned what he called the “rigged voting process” of the past 15 years, alleging votes were cast the night before polling and even from graves. He criticized the lack of accountability, noting that no general, secretary, or deputy commissioner had resigned despite deteriorating law and order.

Pledging to rebuild institutions damaged under the Awami League, he assured the public that these bodies would be restructured as people-centric institutions with their support. He also warned against attempts to turn citizens against key institutions, such as the army and judiciary.

Hasnat asserted that the Awami League lost its right to participate in politics after August 5 due to its alleged crimes, including mass killings, and called for their immediate trial. He urged authorities to revoke the Awami League’s registration and ban the party permanently from Bangladesh.

The event featured other key figures, including joint chief organizer Md. Ataullah, Dr. Ashraful Islam Sumon, and Jihan Mahmud, along with party leaders and activists.