NCP lawmaker Abul Hasnat, representing Cumilla-4, told the Bangladesh Parliament on April 26, 2026, that a renewed atmosphere of fear and intimidation is emerging in the country. Speaking during the discussion on the President’s address, he said citizens should be able to criticize the Prime Minister and express opinions freely on social media without fear. He alleged that opposition voices are being suppressed through legal cases and that individuals have been detained for online criticism.

Hasnat criticized what he described as a return to a “vicious cycle” of blame and repression, warning that campuses are again becoming unstable. He accused the ruling party of using students for political purposes while their own children study abroad. He also said the Human Rights Commission has been weakened and that the cancellation of the Police Reform Commission ordinance contradicts claims of reform.

Calling for an end to divisive politics, Hasnat urged all parties to understand the language of the younger generation and work collectively for structural change and freedom of dissent.