Patwary Questions Hasina’s Status, Demands Her Return to Bangladesh

Nasiruddin Patwary, chief organizer of the National Citizen Party (NCP), on Tuesday questioned whether former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should be considered Bangladeshi or Indian, while demanding that she be returned to Bangladesh.

Speaking after visiting the grave of college student Md. Morsalin, who was recently killed in alleged firing by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) along the Kasba border in Brahmanbaria, Patwary criticized India’s stance on border and migration issues.

“If the West Bengal government says Hindus can enter India from Bangladesh, then is Sheikh Hasina not Bangladeshi? If she is Bangladeshi, then she should be returned to Bangladesh,” he said.

Patwary also spoke about border security and anti-smuggling measures. He said that if his party forms the government, canals would be dug in border areas instead of constructing roads, comparing the idea to defensive trench warfare.

“We will dig canals so that drugs cannot be smuggled across the border from the other side, and Bangladesh’s youth can be protected from destruction,” he said.

Criticizing the Home Ministry, Patwary questioned how large quantities of yaba, phensedyl, and cannabis continue to enter Bangladesh.

“The Home Ministry must answer how so much yaba, phensedyl, and marijuana are entering the country,” he added.

The NCP leader also warned of organizing a “long march” toward the border if border killings continue and the government fails to take effective action.

“If border killings increase further and the government cannot take proper initiatives, we will march toward the border with the people of Bangladesh. Let’s see who can stop us,” he said.

Patwary further alleged that he faced obstruction while traveling to Kasba and claimed that officials linked to the Ministry of Home Affairs were responsible.

“I am a citizen of Bangladesh. No one else can decide where I can go,” he said.

Among others present at the event were Cumilla divisional organizing secretary Mohammad Ataullah, central health wing coordinator Dr. Ashraf Uddin, central organizers Miaz Mehrab Talukdar, Abdullah Al Mahmud Jihan, Mostak Ahmed Shishir, and Dhaka South senior joint convener Tarek Adel.