Were proposed seat sharing to accept AL rehabilitation plan at 11 Mar meeting in Cantonment: Hasnat

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organiser (South) of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has claimed that he and two others were presented with a plan to rehabilitate the ousted Awami League party during a meeting at the Cantonment on March 11. 

In a Facebook post after midnight, Hasnat alleged they were offered seat sharings in exchange for accepting a proposal to bring back what was described as a "Refined Awami League," which he says is "entirely India's plan."

"Let us unite against the Awami League… If the Awami League returns to politics, July [2024 uprising] will be a failure. As long as there is a single drop of blood in our veins, we will not let the blood of our martyrs go to waste. After 5 August, there will be no opportunity for the Awami League to come back in Bangladesh…The Awami League must be banned, once and for all."

He mentioned the date 11 March and wrote, "A few days ago, I mentioned that there was a plan to introduce a new conspiracy called the 'Refined Awami League.' This plan is entirely India's. Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Shirin Sharmin, and Tapash are being put forward in this plan." 

"On 11 March, at 2:30pm, this plan was presented to me and two others at the Cantonment. We were proposed that in exchange for seat sharing, we should accept this offer. We were told that multiple political parties had already been offered this proposal — and, under certain conditions, they had agreed to the rehabilitation of the Awami League. It was suggested that having multiple opposition parties alongside a weak Awami League would be better than just one opposition party. As a result, over the past two days, you will notice that many politicians in the media have begun giving statements in favour of the Awami League."

He continued, "We were further told that the 'Refined Awami League,' which would be created by them, would admit to the crimes of the Sheikh family from April-May onwards, reject Hasina, and promise to restore the Awami League of Bangabandhu to the public."

Hasnat said they immediately opposed the proposal and informed them that instead of rehabilitating the Awami League, they should work towards holding the Awami League accountable.

"In response, we were told that if we put up any obstacle to the return of the Awami League, we would be responsible for the crisis it creates in the country, and that the 'Awami League must come back.'"

Hasnat further wrote, "At one point during the discussion, I asked, 'How can you forgive a party that has not yet apologised or confessed to its crimes?' Angrily, the other side responded, 'You people know nothing. You lack wisdom and experience. We have been in this service for at least forty years, longer than your age. Moreover, without the Awami League, there will be no 'inclusive' election'." 

"In response, I said, "There can be no inclusivity with the Awami League. If the Awami League is to return, it will have to do so over our dead bodies. If an attempt is made to bring back the Awami League, you will be responsible for the crisis that will arise."

He then said they left that meeting.

Hasnat Abdullah further alleged that during the July movement, they came under various kinds of pressure.  

"However, we did not bow to that pressure, and instead, we placed our trust in you, the people. It is with your support that we brought about Hasina's final downfall."

He added that he continues to reject that kind of pressure from certain groups. 

"I do not know what will happen to me after posting this. I may face multiple pressures or even be in danger. But when it comes to the question of banning the Awami League, there is no room for compromise," said the NCP leader. 

"Today, if I again have your support, if I find you by my side on the streets, we will once again be able to reject this Indian conspiracy of rehabilitating the Awami League," he wrote.