Senior leaders from various political parties have expressed concern over the interim government’s inability to make swift and decisive decisions, warning that this hesitation could foster widespread public discontent and undermine confidence in its success.
They warned that hesitation and sluggishness in taking necessary steps might lead to disillusionment among the citizens. Additionally, the public remains worried about reforms and good governance due to the perceived weaknesses of the interim government, according to a press release.
These concerns were echoed on Sunday at a review meeting held to mark the one-month anniversary of the interim government. The event was organised by the AB Party at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) auditorium in Dhaka.
AB Party Convener AFM Sulaiman Chowdhury presided over the meeting, which was moderated by Member Secretary Mojibur Rahman Monju.
Among the prominent guests, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, member of the BNP National Standing Committee; Mahmudur Rahman Manna, president of Nagorik Oikya; Prof Dilara Chowdhury, a renowned political scientist; Saiful Haque, general secretary of Revolutionary Workers Party; Zonayed Saki, coordinator of Gonoshonghoti Andolon, were present.
In his presidential address, Sulaiman Chowdhury mentioned, “Repairing the state is a long-term task, but we must act swiftly. The government has already played a crucial democratic role by releasing political leaders who had been unjustly imprisoned due to false cases by the fallen authoritarian regime.”
“Since taking power, this government has had to tackle multiple issues, including the recent floods. We are offering them our full support, and we will continue to do so, InshaAllah. We hope they will soon create a fair election environment, restore the people's voting rights, and hand over power to a democratic government as soon as possible,” he added.
Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said, “Following the public uprising led by students and citizens, we can now proudly say that this is ‘my Bangladesh.’ After Sheikh Hasina’s escape, we have a new Bangladesh where people are thinking differently.”
“People now want to live and move freely. Approximately 65 per cent of the country’s population is young, and no one can practice politics in Bangladesh without considering their ideas. We urge the interim government to give priority to the people’s sentiments and to come together to resolve the country’s problems.”
Mahmudur Rahman Manna remarked, “Over the past month, many proposals have been presented. Hundreds of proposals have come and will continue to come. However, the government needs to decide on the fundamental needs of the country and its people during this time.”
“Without determining that, they won’t be able to move forward properly. It’s not the job of the interim government to deliberate on controversial issues.”
Prof Dilara Chowdhury stated, “Some are calling this a revolutionary government, but it is actually a post-uprising interim or hybrid government that is operating under the current constitution.”
“However, we still haven’t seen the police become active. There is no alternative to establishing the rule of law, and to do so, the police must be mobilised.”
Saiful Haque expressed concern over India’s reaction to Bangladesh's recent political developments, suggesting that the Modi government may have been displeased with the success of the Bangladeshi people. He called on the interim government to listen sincerely to the workers' legitimate demands and take appropriate action.
Zonayed Saki noted that while a month is insufficient to fully evaluate a government, the interim government must recognise the unique contributions of the students and citizens who sacrificed their lives for the nation. He urged the government to ensure that the perpetrators of the recent massacres are brought to justice.
Mustafa Jamal Hayder, head of the 12-party alliance; Advocate Hasnat Kayum, chief coordinator of State Reform Movement; Colonel (retd) Miah Mohammad Moshiuzzaman, convener of the Gonodhikar Parishad; Ashraf Ali Akon, presidium member of the Islami Andolon Bangladesh; Advocate Subrata Chowdhury, general secretary of Gono Forum; Prof Ahmad Abdul Kader, secretary of Khilafat Majlish; Fariduzzaman Farhad from the Nationalist Alliance; Prof Major (retd) Abdul Wahab Minar, AB Party joint convener; Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuaad, joint member secretary, Shahadat Ullah Tutul, convenor of AB Party [youth wing]; Barrister Nasrin Sultana Mily, in-charge of AB Party Women; Barrister Sunny Abdul Hoque, in-charge of AB Party [shadow committee] and Mohammad Prince, convener of the Bangladesh Students’ Party were present, among other national leaders.
