National Citizen Party lawmaker Hasnat Abdullah on Thursday rejected allegations made in the Jatiya Sangsad that individuals associated with the July uprising had used their involvement in the movement for personal gain, and challenged the government to investigate him and others linked to the movement.
Speaking on a point of personal explanation during a sitting of the Jatiya Sangsad presided over by deputy speaker Kayser Kamal, Hasnat said that he would resign from parliament if any evidence of corruption or misconduct was found against him in an investigation conducted by state intelligence agencies.
His remarks came in response to comments made by Bangladesh Nationalist Party lawmakers during the ongoing budget session of the Jatiya Sangsad.
Earlier, BNP lawmaker Mohammed Akteruzzaman of Mymensingh-10 alleged that some individuals were exploiting the spirit of the July uprising for personal gain.
‘Many people are cashing in on the spirit of July. Some who once travelled by rickshaw now travel in Prado cars by exploiting the spirit of July,’ Akteruzzaman said during the budget discussion.
Responding to the criticism, Hasnat said that sweeping allegations should not be made without evidence by those holding responsible positions.
During his statement, Hasnat also responded to remarks by BNP lawmaker Sayeed Al Noman, who had referred to an earlier speech by the NCP member on development allocations.
Hasnat said that his comments had been misrepresented.
He maintained that he had never demanded that funds be allocated specifically to him, but had instead urged that people in his constituency should not be deprived of development resources because of his political views or statements.
Taking part in the discussion on the proposed national budget for the 2026–27 financial year, Hasnat raised concerns about the handling of corruption allegations against the Bashundhara Group and called for greater transparency in the matter.
Hasnat said that the Anti-Corruption Commission had filed a case against the conglomerate during the tenure of the interim government, but questioned what progress had been made in the case since then.
The NCP lawmaker alleged that the Bashundhara Group had been involved in money laundering, land grabbing and the use of media platforms to legitimise enforced disappearances, killings and repression during the Awami League government’s tenure, which ended with its ouster in August 2024 following a mass uprising.
Referring to a case filed against a newspaper editor for criticising a state minister, he said that the development was troubling and could discourage lawmakers from speaking freely.
Addressing the deputy speaker, Hasnat sought assurances that lawmakers would be able to criticise ministers and government policies without fear of repercussions.
