A recent Facebook post by National Citizen Party (NCP) organizer Hasnat Abdullah has sparked significant controversy in Bangladesh`s political sphere.
In the post, Abdullah accused the military of attempting to rehabilitate the ousted Awami League through Indian-backed plans.
However, the Army Headquarters has firmly rejected these claims, labeling them as "political stunts" in a statement to Swedish-based media outlet Netra News.
Hasnat Abdullah`s Allegations Stir Debate
In his post, Abdullah suggested that the Bangladesh Army was involved in orchestrating a plan to bring back the Awami League, which was removed from power following a mass uprising.
He claimed that during a meeting with the Army Chief, India’s involvement in a political re-entry strategy for the Awami League was discussed.
"How can you forgive a party that has not yet apologized or admitted their crimes?"
Hasnat claimed to have asked during the meeting. According to Abdullah, the response was sharp:
"You people know nothing. You lack wisdom and experience. We have been in this service for at least forty years, more than your age. Besides, there won’t be an `inclusive` election without the Awami League."
Abdullah`s post quickly gained attention, fueling debates and speculation within political circles.
Army Headquarters Responds
In a prompt response, the Army Headquarters strongly refuted Hasnat Abdullah`s allegations, emphasizing that the meeting on March 11 with Army Chief Waqar-uz-Zaman was initiated not by the military, but by Abdullah and another NCP coordinator, Sarjis Alam.
According to the Army`s statement, both student leaders had long requested a courtesy meeting with the Army Chief.
"Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis Alam had expressed a desire to meet the Army Chief for some time. On March 11, Sarjis Alam called the military advisor to the Chief, asking for a meeting," the statement read.
The Army Headquarters subsequently invited them to the cantonment.
Instead of arriving at the Army Headquarters, the two waited at Senabhaban (Army House), where the Army Chief later met them after completing his office duties.
The Army dismissed any suggestion that they pressured Abdullah regarding the rehabilitation of the Awami League, stating that the meeting was purely a goodwill gesture.
Friendly Interaction Misconstrued?
The Army Headquarters also took a softer tone in parts of their response, describing the relationship between the Army Chief and the two young politicians as a "fatherly" one.
“The Army Chief treated the student leaders with great affection, like sons,” the statement said.
"He engaged in various discussions with them in a very cordial environment, offering well-wishes for their new party and discussing their future political journey."
The Army Chief reportedly provided advice on election preparation, stressing the importance of active participation from all political parties in the upcoming elections.
Ten days after this meeting, Hasnat Abdullah’s Facebook post appeared, which the Army now describes as "nothing but a political stunt."
Political Analysis and Reactions
While the Army Headquarters` response was clear, they could not provide an independent verification of what exactly was discussed in the meeting.
The Army`s statement came after Hasnat’s post triggered widespread debate, particularly because of the sensitive nature of allegations involving military involvement in political processes.
An anonymous senior officer from a special military unit separately told Netra News that the meeting took place solely because of the interest and initiative of the two student leaders.
What’s Next?
As of now, it remains to be seen how Hasnat Abdullah and his party will respond to the Army’s sharp rebuttal.
With Bangladesh’s political climate already tense, this incident adds another layer of complexity, raising questions about the role of student leaders and military influence in politics.
Hasnat Abdullah’s claims of rehabilitation plans for the Awami League have left many wondering if more details will emerge, or if this will be seen as a case of overzealous political maneuvering.
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