Hasnat Abdullah, chief organiser of the National Citizen Party (NCP) for the southern region, has strongly criticised a report published by Prothom Alo titled ‘Questions over Hasnat’s luxurious lifestyle’, labelling it false, baseless and motivated.

In a post from his verified Facebook account on Sunday, Hasnat Abdullah wrote, “Prothom Alo today headlined ‘Questions over Hasnat’s luxurious lifestyle’. I invite that journalist to visit my home and see for themselves how luxurious my life really is.”

He said, “If you think you can silence Hasnat Abdullah by publishing reports dictated from Delhi, you are still living in a world of illusions. If I were to stop, I would have done so long ago. I wouldn’t have risked my life alone to resist the return of a ‘clean image’ Awami League.”

“Had I wanted to stop, I too could have aimed for a ministerial post by serving the interests of India and RAW, like you do. If my aim was luxury, I wouldn’t have had to fight this battle — I could have easily joined your ranks and chosen a lavish life. But I did not, and I never will,” Hasnat added.

He further wrote, “No matter how much information terrorism you attempt, I will not stop speaking against India and RAW. I will never let any move to reinstate the Awami League succeed while I’m alive. Everyone knows the kind of life I live. From my bank balance to tax returns — everything is accessible. You could have accessed it too, but you didn’t. I challenge you — in yesterday’s (Saturday) meeting, no such issues were discussed, nor were any questions raised. Yet you published such a massive lie in my name.”

Hasnat issued another challenge, “If anyone can prove that I have taken a single taka from anyone, in any way — let there be an investigation through any acceptable government or private process — I will quit politics. But you cannot eliminate me from politics through false news.”

He alleged, “Prothom Alo has repeatedly resorted to falsehoods against honest and patriotic politicians of this country. Anyone who stands against Indian imperialism has been made a target. I am the latest addition to that list. It cannot be a coincidence that this information terrorism has been unleashed against me just two days after my post against RAW.”

“Such information terrorism cannot stop me. As long as I live, I will continue to speak out against Delhi’s imperialism and the Awami League in this country. Even if my politics is taken away, even if I’m sidelined — so be it. This struggle against India, RAW, and the Awami League will continue until they kill us. Insha’Allah,” he added.