'We will not step back from reform, even at the cost of life': Hasnat Abdullah

Hasnat Abdullah, chief coordinator of the NCP's southern region, said today (24 December) that their demand for political reform in Bangladesh will continue, and they will not step back even if it costs them their lives.

He made the remarks at a condolence and solidarity gathering organised by the Democratic Reform Alliance at King Community Centre in Feni, protesting the killing of revolutionary Osman Hadi.

Hasnat Abdullah urged voters to support reform and justice in the upcoming elections and oppose authoritarianism.

He criticised some political parties for dissolving their organisations for the sake of single constituencies, calling it an injustice to their own party. "We wanted a ballot revolution, but some parties are preparing for a bullet revolution. Everyone must fight against injustice," he said.

He also criticised the administration and police, saying, "In the last three elections, law enforcement acted as players rather than referees, causing the nation to pay a price. It may happen again if impartiality is not maintained."

In his remarks, Hasnat Abdullah further criticised those who demeaned martyr Osman Hadi, saying, "This generation will reject those who call Osman Hadi a 'guinea pig' and cannot even pronounce his name correctly."

He also warned that many officials appointed through controlled lotteries as DCs and SPs have started showing allegiance to certain parties. "Those who betray their party will have to flee like Benjir and Harun," he cautioned.

Hasnat Abdullah expressed concern over the lack of progress in the investigation into Hadi's killing, calling it a dire warning. He urged the administration to act impartially, warning that failure to do so could again confront the younger generation with injustice.

AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Manju said Bangladesh has never bowed to authoritarian forces and will not do so in the future. He warned that those trying to return the country to a fascist era will never be forgiven.

The leaders said the next election will be a vote for justice in Osman Hadi's killing and for political reform.

Other attendees included NCP Senior Joint Convener Samantha Sharmin, Joint General Secretary of the State Reform Movement Didar Bhuiya, AB Party Joint General Secretary Barrister Zobayer Ahmad Bhuiya, and central and district leaders of the Democratic Reform Alliance.