Local BNP leaders question NCP's 'mysterious' Cox's Bazar trip

The sudden visit of four top National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders -- Hasnat Abdullah, Sarjis Alam, Nasiruddin Patwary, Tasnim Jara -- to Cox's Bazar has been met with scepticism from local BNP leaders, who are questioning the timing and circumstances amid persistent rumours of a meeting with former US ambassador Peter Haas.

While NCP and law enforcement officials have denied any such meeting took place, the trip on the anniversary of the July mass uprising has fuelled a demand for clarity.

Ukhiya BNP leaders and activists were seen gathering outside the Royal Tulip hotel, where the NCP leaders are staying, calling the timing of a "secret meeting" with foreigners on a significant national day "mysterious".

Cox's Bazar District BNP President Shahjahan Chowdhury echoed these concerns, stating that the sudden arrival of top NCP leaders at a luxury hotel far from the city centre has created "suspicion" and "curiosity" among the public.

He admitted he was doubtful about Peter Haas's presence but said he was looking into the matter.

In response to the speculation, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary called the reports of a meeting with Peter Haas "rumours and baseless", explaining the trip as an unplanned visit to rest after attending rallies.

"We just came to relax on the beach for a bit," he said, adding that a delegation from the NCP would attend the official anniversary programmes in Dhaka.

Meanwhile, Additional Superintendent of Police Md Jasim Uddin Chowdhury confirmed that the NCP leaders were at the hotel but denied that Peter Haas was present, stating that the leaders were in town for a "vacation". 

Cox's Bazar Superintendent of Police Md Saifuddin Shahin corroborated this, confirming that Peter Haas was not at the Royal Tulip hotel and that only three foreign nationals from China were staying there. This was also confirmed by the hotel's security in-charge Kamruzzaman.

Despite the official denials, access for media personnel to the hotel has been restricted, adding to the atmosphere of secrecy. The news of the leaders' trip travelled fast, with many locals and journalists seen gathering outside the hotel, highlighting the public and political interest in the matter.