Restrictions on Reporting NCP Leaders’ Corruption and Extravagant Lifestyles

Opinion

Yesterday, *Daily Prothom Alo* published a report titled “Hasnat-Sarjis’ Extravagant Lifestyle,” but it was forced to remove the article shortly after. Hasnat Abdullah issued a warning to *Prothom Alo* through a Facebook post. Meanwhile, Hasnat and Sarjis were seen riding luxury cars and holding meetings in the area with a massive convoy of vehicles.

Earlier, allegations of corruption worth 400 crore taka in primary education textbooks and recruitment trade surfaced, implicating NCP leaders and coordinators. However, no investigation has been initiated into these claims, and leading national media outlets have largely remained silent on the matter.

Even a prominent media outlet like *Prothom Alo* retracting its report raises concerns, leading other publications to lose interest in pursuing such stories.

In a previous instance, *Prothom Alo* published a headline based on a statement by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), suggesting that the lack of justice for police killings could reduce enthusiasm for their duties. That report was also removed, with the publication later claiming it was not their article.

The barriers to publishing news aim to obscure the sudden wealth accumulation of NCP leaders. Allegations of recruitment irregularities and embezzlement against district coordinators also remain unaddressed.

Hasnat Abdullah stated on social media, “Today, *Prothom Alo* headlined, ‘Questions About Hasnat’s Extravagant Lifestyle.’ I invite that journalist to visit my home and witness how ‘extravagant’ my life truly is.”

The public, however, has witnessed them traveling in luxury cars and leading massive convoys. Is it normal for individuals who once lined up for Eid gifts to now lead such opulent lives? The question remains.