Move to prolong Interim Govt in name of keeping Yunus in power: Manna

Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna.

Dhaka, Apr 8 - Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna on Tuesday said although Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has no greed for power, some people are attempting to keep him in power for five years.

“People have already understood that the Chief Adviser has no greed for power as he wants to work for the country,” he said while addressing a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club, organised by Gano Shakti Sabha.

Manna said it seems to him that Dr Yunus wants to leave power as soon as possible by organising the national election. “But I see some people want to force him to stay in power for five years.”

He warned that a controversy would arise if any attempt is made to prolong the power of the interim government under the guise of keeping Dr Yunus in power.

“If you believe that he (Yunus) is doing good work and should be utilised for the welfare of the country, then consider an alternative. Why should he prolong his stay in power and thus indulge in controversy?” Manna questioned.

He praised Dr Yunus for his commendable work, such as keeping the prices of essentials stable during Ramadan and ensuring a smooth journey for holidaymakers during the Eid-ul-Fitr.

“Dr Yunus is performing magic in his actions. Otherwise, how else could the prices of goods decrease instead of rise during Ramadan? How was the Eid journey so pleasant? How was electricity management so efficient, even during Ramadan?” the Nagorik Oikya leader viewed.

He said everyone should cooperate with the Dr Yunus-led interim government to overcome the challenges the country is currently facing.

Manna mentioned that Dr Yunus had held meetings at different times with political parties on various issues, but he had never called a meeting with them regarding politics or reforms.

He said the debate over state principles should continue, underscoring the importance of embracing differing opinions and allowing space for dissenting views.

“I do not agree with the reform commission’s proposals on state principles. Nagorik Oikya disagrees with more than a hundred of the reform commission’s proposals,” Manna said. - UNB