Qaumi Chhatra Oikya Parishad withdrew its planned programme in Brahmanbaria on Saturday after NCP leader and lawmaker Hasnat Abdullah expressed regret over remarks he made in parliament about the district. The group announced the withdrawal after talks with NCP leaders at about 2:30pm. Hasnat said in a Facebook post that a misunderstanding had arisen with Brahmanbaria residents and expressed sorrow for his parliamentary comments.

The NCP’s Brahmanbaria district committee had planned an organisational coordination meeting and political workshop at the district Shilpakala Academy auditorium at 4pm. Madrasa students, under the Qaumi Chhatra Oikya Parishad banner, demonstrated late Friday and said they would resist the NCP event unless Hasnat apologised.

The group had also called an Islamic cultural programme at the venue for 3pm Saturday. Committee member Abdul Khaleq said there would be no obstruction to the NCP programme following Hasnat’s expression of regret. However, District Commissioner Md Abusaid said the academy could not host the NCP event because political gatherings are not permitted there.