Nagorik Oikya's Manna says govt must explain how polls will be held amid unrest

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, convener of the Nagorik Oikya, says the party will ask Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus how the interim government plans to hold elections in what he described as an “unstable” national situation.

Ahead of the planned meeting with Yunus on Tuesday, Manna, a senior figure in the Ganatantra Mancha alliance, raised concerns about the recent violence, actions of law enforcement, and the government’s capacity to conduct credible polls during an event at the Dhaka Reporters Unity.

Citing the recent clashes at Chattogram University, where hundreds of students were reportedly injured, and the assault on Gono Odhikar Parishad leader Nurul Haque Nur in Dhaka, he said: “The government said they will investigate [the attack on Nur], but there’s video evidence. Do they need an inquiry to act?”

"At least 1,500 students were injured at Chattogram University. Two remain in ICU. This shows how bad things are.”

He accused police of failing to intervene in violent incidents, and said the Army only acted after direct instructions from Yunus.

“When ballot boxes are snatched by henchmen, will the police stop them? I have no faith,” he said.

Manna believes that reforming the police should have been the interim government’s first priority.

“For 15 years, a repressive government forced them to follow unjust orders. That has created trauma within the force. Without reform, how can elections be fair?”

He warned that university campuses nationwide were becoming flashpoints for violence, with proctors and vice-chancellors “crying on Facebook” for help that never comes.

“On election day, if a candidate is beaten and pleads for help, will anyone come? This cannot happen,” he said.

Manna said he respected Yunus personally, describing him as “an honest, visionary man”, but questioned his political approach.

“It’s like asking cricketer Shakib Al Hasan to play football. He is a great man, but politics is different."

He said he planned to raise the issue directly with the head of the interim government.

“Yunus has announced elections will be held in February. I will ask him how? In what way? In many areas, the police do not listen to anyone.”

Manna urged Yunus to bring all parties to the table, not just a select few.

“If you cannot hold the election properly, darkness will descend on the country,” he said.

He also criticised the BNP, saying they had done little to dispel allegations of misconduct.

“Who needs a good election most? The BNP. But what are they doing to ensure it?”