Rumors of secret meeting in Cox's Bazar, what did NCP leaders say?

The sudden arrival of five top NCP leaders in the Inani area of Cox's Bazar has created widespread discussion in political circles. Rumors have been circulating on social media that they have come to participate in a 'secret meeting' with former US ambassador Peter Haas. However, the hotel authorities and local law enforcement agencies have clearly stated that these reports are completely baseless.

On August 5, at 11:25 am, the NCP leaders arrived at Cox's Bazar Airport on a Bangladesh Biman flight. They are Hasnat Abdullah, Sarjis Alam, Dr. Tasnim Zara, Nasiruddin Patwari and NCP joint convener Khalid Saifullah. Sarjis Alam's wife Hafeza Raita was with them. They left the airport via the general passenger route instead of using the VIP lounge and later stayed in rooms 5001, 5002 and 5003 of the Sea Pearl Beach Resort (Royal Tulip) in Inani.

Local sources said that the presence of law enforcement agencies was noticeable around the hotel. Many people think that some important meeting or event must be taking place. However, Cox's Bazar Police Superintendent Md. Saifuddin Shaheen said, "NCP leaders are staying at the Royal Tulip, but former US ambassador Peter Haas is not here. There are only three foreigners in the hotel and they are all Chinese citizens."

The hotel's Chief Security Officer Kamruzzaman also confirmed the matter, "There are no foreign guests in our hotel today. The news of Peter Haas' presence is completely a rumor."

Meanwhile, BNP leaders and activists protested in front of the Royal Tulip Hotel in Inani area in the wake of these rumors. The protest, organized by former Ukhia Upazila BNP office secretary Selim Siraji, alleged that a conspiracy is underway against the country and that those who will not be able to come to power through elections are now involved in the conspiracy with foreign powers.

However, NCP leaders have rejected the entire issue and claimed it as a ‘baseless rumor’. Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari said, “We have come to Cox’s Bazar on a personal visit, to visit. The information being spread in the media is completely baseless.” NCP joint convener Khalid Saifullah also said, “We have not had any meeting with Peter Haas anywhere. This is our purely personal trip.”

Although the issue has created a stir in the political context, according to the administration’s explanation and the NCP leaders’ statements, it is nothing more than a personal visit. However, such a visit and the related rumors have added a new dimension to the tension in the political situation.