NCP’s Masud apologises after controversial comments on Khagrachhari ‘rape’

He claimed that a "fake rape" incident was being used to destabilise the region, a statement he later retracted

Abdul Hannan Masud, senior joint chief coordinator of the National Citizen Party, has apologised for his comments regarding the alleged gang-rape of a Marma schoolgirl in Khagrachhari.

In a Facebook post on Monday, he admitted his mistake and expressed regret over his statement, acknowledging that it had caused embarrassment.

In his post, Masud said: “At a rally in Hatia’s Chandandi Union yesterday, I mistakenly and spontaneously used the term ‘fake rape’, which was not my intention at all.

“Such a heinous crime as rape cannot be denied. We must ensure the harshest punishment for rapists. I deeply regret using this unfortunate term and hope my supporters and critics will view it as a momentary lapse in judgement.”

Masud also called on all citizens of Bangladesh, both from the hills and plains, to unite against the “fascist” forces and their conspiracies. He urged the law enforcement and government to listen to both sides of the issue to manage the current situation through dialogue.

Earlier, during a rally on Sunday evening in Saiful Market of Chandandi Union in Noakhali, Masud claimed that India was attempting to destabilise the region by using a “fabricated rape” incident to turn the hill people and Bengalis against each other.

He said, “India is playing its final card. They are trying to use a fabricated rape case to create conflict between the hill people and Bengalis, which will destabilise the region.”

He added, “A deep conspiracy is being plotted over Bangladesh’s hill region. India wants to take control of this region, but let me make it clear -- not even an inch of Bangladesh’s land will be surrendered. We fought Pakistan in 1971, and we will confront India in 2025.”

Meanwhile, in protest against the NCP’s silence on the alleged rape and Masud’s comments, Alik Mri, the party’s senior joint chief organiser, resigned from his position.

Allegations of the rape have sparked renewed tension in the hill region, with a blockade ongoing in the three hill districts under the banner of “Jummo Chhatra Janata” since Saturday.

Following the escalating situation, the district administration imposed Section 144 in Guimara, Khagrachhari, on Saturday afternoon. However, violence soon spread, with reports of a market being set on fire.

Later, three individuals were reported dead following clashes between law enforcement and blockade participants.