National Citizens’ Party (NCP) Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari has dismissed as “rumours” recent media and social media reports claiming that several party leaders travelled to Cox’s Bazar to meet with former United States Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas.

Speaking to BBC Bangla, Patwari said, “We did not come to meet anyone. We came here all of a sudden just for a short break. We were tired after the long march.”

“Just came to the beach for a bit,” he added.

He further said, “We had just checked in at the hotel and sat down when we suddenly saw this news. This is totally a rumour, misinformation—nothing like that happened. It is media propaganda.”

Patwari also questioned the logic behind the claim, saying, “We heard after arriving that apparently we came to meet Peter Haas. If that were the case, we could have done it in Dhaka itself—if we had any such intention.”

Regarding joining July anniversary programme, Patwari said, “Our convener and member secretary received invitation cards. As far as I know, a delegation from our party will attend.”

Speculation over the NCP delegation’s trip to Cox’s Bazar emerged on Tuesday afternoon after several media outlets reported that NCP leaders Hasnat Abdullah, Sarjis Alam, Dr Tasnim Jara, and Nasiruddin Patwari had travelled there to meet with Peter Haas, the former US envoy to Bangladesh.

MSK/