A scheduled street rally by the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Chakaria upazila of Cox’s Bazar was obstructed and finally cancelled on Saturday following ‘indecent remarks’ indicating one of their top leaders.

The NCP activists faced obstruction following ‘controversial remarks’ made earlier in the day by NCP’s Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari.

Local NCP supporters gathered for street rally around 4:30 PM in front of Janata Tower in Chakaria where BNP activists staged a protest , forcing the programme to be called off amidst rising tensions.

Earlier at 1 PM, during a party rally in Cox’s Bazar town, Nasiruddin Patwari said, 
“Dear people of Cox’s Bazar, during the Awami League’s time, Narayanganj had the infamous godfather Shamim Osman. Now we’re hearing that Cox’s Bazar has its own new godfather—someone who came from Shillong. He’s occupying shrimp farms, grabbing land, and extorting people.”

Referring to political reforms, Patwari added, “Reform is not for or against any party—it is for the state.”

He continued, “And now we hear that this person doesn’t even understand reform. I won’t name names, but the people of Cox’s Bazar will stop such anti-reform elements on the streets, Inshallah.”

The remarks triggered immediate backlash from local BNP leaders and supporters.

Many took to social media to condemn the comments, calling them disrespectful and provocative.

Yusuf Badri, office secretary of Cox’s Bazar district BNP, demanded a public apology from Patwari, saying, “He must apologize immediately for his unacceptable comments about a senior leader.”

Later in the afternoon, BNP activists staged a protest in Chakaria.

The party has also called for demonstrations in Cox’s Bazar district including in Ramu, Ukhiya, Teknaf, and Maheshkhali.

Cox’s Bazar Superintendent of Police Mohammad Saifuddin Shaheen said law enforcement agencies are on high alert to prevent any untoward incident.

The NCP has not yet issued any official statement in response to the controversy.