Tensions have escalated in Brahmanbaria between local Qawmi madrasa students and the National Citizen Party (NCP) following remarks made by NCP leader and MP Md Abul Hasnat, popularly known as Hasnat Abdullah, about the district in parliament.
After announcing yesterday that they will prevent a scheduled NCP programme from taking place at the Brahmanbaria District Shilpakala Academy auditorium, the protesting Qawmi Students Unity Council called for an Islamic cultural event at the same venue today (29 August).
Abdul Khaleque, a member of the convening committee of the Brahmanbaria Qawmi Students Unity Council, said Hasnat Abdullah has been asked to apologise for what he described as making false statements about Brahmanbaria.
“As he has not apologised, we have announced today’s programme,” he said.
“As part of the programme, an Islamic cultural event will be held at the Shilpakala Academy auditorium,” he added.
The district administration, however, said neither side has permission for their events.
Deputy Commissioner Md Abu Sayeed said the NCP has informed the administration that it will hold an indoor event at the Shilpakala Academy, but has not said that it would be a political gathering.
“We cannot grant permission on those terms,” he said.
“The Shilpakala Academy is not intended for political programmes,” Sayeed added.
He also said that the administration has no information about the programme announced by the madrasah students.
“The auditorium cannot be used for their programme either, because they did not seek permission from us,” the district commissioner said.
Meanwhile, Abdullah Al Mahmud Jihan, a central organiser of the NCP, said the party has specifically informed the district administration that it intends to hold a political programme at the Shilpakala Academy.
“Can a political programme not be held indoors?” he said.
“We are discussing the matter with the authorities. Our programme will go ahead,” Jihan added.
Earlier, in parliament on Thursday (27 August), Hasnat criticised the government for failing to take effective measures after cultural programmes had been cancelled at police lines in Kishoreganj and Brahmanbaria.
He questioned the government’s effectiveness in addressing the incidents.
Hasnat then alleged that a situation has emerged in Brahmanbaria where cultural activities are being stopped.
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