Chief Adviser doesn't give any answers; he just bids farewell with a sweet smile: Manna

Mahmudur Rahman Manna, President of Nagorik Oikya, has remarked that Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of the interim government, "does not show any accountability."

Manna stated that Yunus has not provided any explanation for his statement that only one political party wants an election. “He does not offer any accountability,” said Manna. “Even when questioned directly, he often avoids answering and simply responds with a sweet smile—or says nothing at all.”

Manna made these remarks today (Tuesday) at a discussion titled “Justice for Genocide, State Reform, and the Election Roadmap”, organised by Gono Adhikar Parishad at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, according to local media.

Raising a question, Manna said, “Before December, only one party wants elections. Is it appropriate for Professor Yunus to make such a mistake? Is that befitting of him? Could it be that he spoke mistakenly? Was he unaware that nearly 29 parties have already expressed interest in holding elections before December? Such a mistake should not come from him. He offered no clarification.”

Noting that Professor Yunus has held four to five meetings with leaders of various political parties, Manna said that Yunus often starts those meetings by saying he feels hopeful after speaking with politicians. “Yet,” Manna added, “he says nothing about state reform, democracy, or elections during those meetings.”

Manna pointed out that even parties like Jamaat-e-Islami have proposed elections in February—not June. “So, no major political party is talking about elections in June. Then why is there talk of elections during such an adverse weather month like June?”

Commenting on the heightened political tension around elections, Manna said this kind of ambiguity is disappointing. He noted, “Foreign advisers say that a policy decision has been made regarding the human corridor, while security officials say no such discussion has taken place. This is creating confusion.”

Warning the interim government, former DUCSU VP Manna said, “To do politics, one must understand politics. Mere power is not enough. It is not possible to govern a country based on flawed policies.” He expressed hope that those in power would act responsibly.

Manna also remarked that there is a significant threat from a neighbouring country. “One neighbouring state is sheltering and supporting a fallen autocrat, offering every kind of assistance to help them advance,” he said. “This could escalate any minor border incident into a major war.”

He further commented, “If India once again tries to subjugate Bangladesh, we do not know how that might unfold. As in the past, during the India-Pakistan war, when West Bengal and Bangladesh were targeted, a similar situation is now developing.”

The discussion was presided over by Gono Adhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque and moderated by the party’s Vice President Farooq Hasan. Other speakers included BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed, BJP Chairman Andaleeve Rahman Partho, Khilafat Majlish Secretary General Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmed, LDP Secretary General Redwan Ahmed, Jatiya Mukti Council Secretary Fawzul Hakim, and Gono Adhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan.