Interim govt to make 'necessary decisions' if obstructed

Gathering wits after the annoyed chief adviser's exit wish amid tempestuous demonstrations, the interim government alerts that, if obstructed this way, it will make "necessary decisions" with people's support to accomplish its assigned duties.

The statement came Saturday after an impromptu meeting of the council of advisers of the post -- uprising government that took stock of latest developments, including the overhang of an ultimatum from the political turf.

"If any activities disrupt its freedom, reform initiatives, judicial process, fair elections, or regular operations, making the assigned responsibilities impossible to fulfill, then it will take the necessary decisions with the support of the people," the government statement reads.

The statement was issued after the unscheduled meeting of the advisory council following a meeting of the National Economic Council, with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus presiding.

The meeting, held amid political turmoil stemming from the reported intent of Dr Yunus to quit, in a half, discussed in detail three main must-dos assigned to the interim government: elections, reforms, and justice. The meeting took place at the Planning Commission in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, and was chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, the statement says.

The council discussed how, in the discharge of these responsibilities, various unreasonable demands, motivated and unauthorised remarks and programmes have been impeding the normal work environment and creating doubt and confusion in public mind.

The advisory council believes that greater unity is necessary to maintain stability in the country, to advance work related to elections, justice, and reform, and to "prevent the return of autocracy in this country once and for all".

The interim government will listen to the opinions of political parties on this matter and clarify its own position, the statement says, while reaffirming the cabinet resolve to carry out its duties.

Despite numerous obstacles, the interim government continues to carry out its duties by ignoring "group interests".

"If, under the provocation of defeated forces and as part of foreign conspiracies, the responsibilities vested in the government are made impossible to carry out, the government will present all the reasons to the public and take the next decision accordingly."

It reminds that the interim government upholds the public expectations that emerged from the July uprising.

Planning Adviser Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud who attened the advisory council meeting said that Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has not any intention to resign.

"The Chief Adviser is staying with us. He has not said he will resign, and none of other advisers is leaving either. We have come here to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted by the people to us," he also said.

After completing the meeting, journalists asked about the speculation of Prof Yunus' resignation and Planning Advisor Prof Mahmud replied that this is not a responsibility they could simply walked away from.

"There are lots of obstructions on the way to performing duties that we have been entrusted. But we will overcome all the difficulties as this is a great responsibility for us. We cannot ignore this responsibility as the country's future. The future of the election is depending on our work. We can't leave this responsibility," Prof Mahmud added.

"Our main work is to establish a better environment for arranging a better election and a democratic system with good governance. We have tried to indentify the obstructions on the way to these works."

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