Mahmudur Rahman Manna, the Convener of Nagorik Oikya, stated, “We are not fighting just for power; we want a comprehensive change in the country. We have been advocating for reforms to bring about that change. No one has been able to topple the government of Dr. Yunus, even now. The BNP, which was once persecuted by the Awami League, is now saying it does not support banning the party. Change requires patience.”
He made these remarks on Thursday during a discussion titled “New Bangladesh: The Way Forward and Citizen Expectations,” organized by the K. Ali Foundation at the National Press Club.
Mahmudur Rahman Manna further added, “The country’s economy is in a fragile state. Foreign nations are hesitant to provide assistance. However, as soon as Dr. Yunus assumes leadership in an interim government, international support will start flowing in.”
He also noted, “Some are saying reforms first, then elections. Others are saying elections first, then reforms. This argument has no basis. Elections will take place, and reforms will also occur. Voting itself is a reform. Reform is an ongoing process. But the government must implement at least some minimum reforms. For instance, reform in the police force is critical.”
Manna commented, “Many assume that everything can be achieved during this government’s tenure. They are putting forth all kinds of demands. But they won’t be able to do everything. Capacity must be taken into account. The country was under authoritarian rule for a long time, and it is now undergoing a democratic reconstruction. The likelihood of the Awami League returning to power is very low. Given what they have done, even Sheikh Hasina herself admitted that her office peon became the owner of 400 crore takas.”
The Nagorik Oikya convener remarked, “After the mass uprising, no revolutionary changes occurred in the country’s economy or politics. Therefore, the July uprising cannot be called a revolution. Now, some people are pointing out mistakes or saying a revolutionary government should have been formed. There’s no doubt that people united and fought a tough battle, and it was possible because of revolutionary fervor.”
