Discontent and discomfort have swept through the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP) after Facebook posts by party chief organiser Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis Alam about their meeting with Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman.
Many NCP leaders view these posts as attempts to gain personal popularity, with discussions circulating within the party about members making random Facebook posts without consulting the party forum. There are concerns that such actions are making the NCP look like a joke.
On Thursday night, Hasnat Abdullah posted a proposal on the rehabilitation of the Awami League after he and another individual were called to the cantonment. This sparked reactions in the days that followed. On Sunday, Sarjis Alam commented on Facebook, saying that the way the posts were shared was improper.
NCP joint chief coordinator Abdul Hannan Masud responded to Sarjis’ post, saying, “One of you is lying, and this cannot continue. When people are looking for hope in the NCP, whose agenda is it to make the party controversial this way?”
NCP sources say that the posts by Hasnat and Sarjis, along with Hannan’s comment, have caused significant discomfort within the party. Several leaders voiced their frustration in the central committee’s WhatsApp group, questioning whether such activities were undermining the party. Some raised concerns about meetings with individuals at various levels and making public disclosures without informing the leadership.
Tensions flared after Sarjis’ Facebook post was shared in the party’s WhatsApp group. One leader, Khalid Saifullah, expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “Some individuals are making statements for personal political gain without organizational approval. If they want to do politics based on celebrity faces, controversy, and populism, then remove us from the party and replace us with TikTokers.” Another leader emphasized, “Don’t make politics for personal popularity, think about the party.” Others questioned why there was no agreement about leaders making posts and whether such actions would harm the party’s future.
There was also discussion on whether NCP leaders should post political statements without prior discussions. Some leaders called for a ban on such actions, warning that it could bury the party in Facebook politics.
A senior NCP leader mentioned that many in the party were unaware of Hasnat and Sarjis’ meeting with the army chief. While Hasnat’s proposal to rehabilitate the Awami League received praise from some, others questioned the appropriateness of disclosing this matter publicly. The leader warned that informal disclosures like these might discourage candid discussions in the future and harm the party’s image.
Some NCP leaders, however, remain concerned that many in the party are still focusing on Facebook-centric activities rather than engaging in serious political work. A party forum will soon address the issue and develop guidelines for leaders’ social media use.
Meanwhile, Chief Adviser to the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, met with an International Crisis Group delegation and clarified that there were no plans to ban the Awami League. Hasnat Abdullah later posted on Facebook claiming that a “Refined Awami League” rehabilitation plan was underway, allegedly as part of an Indian-led initiative. He further stated that he was asked to support the plan in exchange for parliamentary seat-sharing.
Hasnat’s post led to protests in universities and calls for the Awami League’s ban. NCP leaders demanded the party’s trial and the immediate revocation of its registration. Some even called for the removal of the army chief.
In a press conference, NCP clarified its stance, condemning the chief adviser’s remarks but refraining from commenting on the army chief. NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary criticized Hasnat’s Facebook post as “discourteous,” while Sarjis Alam later admitted that disclosing conversations on Facebook was improper, expressing concern over the future of such discussions.
The Army Headquarters dismissed Hasnat’s post as a “political stunt” and a “fabricated story,” calling it an “extremely laughable and immature” collection of events.
