Hasnat Says Business-Funded Politicians Prioritise Sponsors Over Public Interests

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National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Organiser (South) and Cumilla-4 MP Hasnat Abdullah has said that politicians elected with financial support from businessmen are more likely to protect the interests of their sponsors rather than those of ordinary citizens.

Speaking at an NCP-organised march and roadside rally on Rajapur Bypass Road in Jhalakathi on Sunday afternoon, Hasnat said lawmakers backed by business interests would represent those who financed their campaigns instead of the general public.

He argued that legislators elected with the support of illegal sand extractors would be unwilling to speak against sand grabbing.

Highlighting his party's performance, Hasnat said NCP lawmakers had remained firm during their first five months in parliament despite pressure from influential groups. He said the party had consistently raised its voice against media mafias, land grabbers, bank looters and those involved in election fraud.

He also alleged that the government had lost the trust and confidence of the people, adding that while discussions on reforms were important, addressing the everyday problems faced by citizens should remain the greater responsibility.

Recalling the movement that brought political change, Hasnat said that when the Awami League government claimed there was no alternative to its rule, students, workers and ordinary people had created one. He said people should once again take responsibility for bringing about change instead of waiting for the government.

Hasnat said the NCP had promised before the election to represent the people if elected, adding that it was now up to the public to judge whether the party was serving citizens or business interests.

Referring to those killed during the July movement, he said the party remained accountable to their sacrifices.

He further alleged that previous governments had failed to establish a corruption-free Bangladesh, reduce unemployment or build an equitable society. He warned that if the current generation of politicians failed to tackle unemployment and drug abuse, future generations would also hold them accountable.

Hasnat also accused the Awami League government of allowing the S Alam Group to loot banks, national resources and the power sector during its tenure.

During the rally, he announced Arifur Rahman Tuhin as the NCP candidate for the Rajapur Upazila Parishad election and called on voters to elect him.

NCP-nominated reserved-seat MP Dr Mahmuda Alam Mitu and NCP Joint Convener Md Golam Sarwar Tushar, among others, also addressed the rally.