Dhaka: Anu Muhammad, a former professor of the Department of Economics at Jahangirnagar University, has commented that people may lose trust in the current interim government if a specific roadmap for the election is not given soon.
On Thursday (November 21), at the Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the National Press Club, he made this comment in response to a question at a press conference titled ‘To what extent has the interim government’s proposal for immediate action been implemented in 100 days?’ organized by the Ganatantrik Adhikar Committee (GAC) at the Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the National Press Club.
In response to a question about how many days is it necessary to hold elections for the current interim government? Anu Muhammad said that the search committee formed by the current interim government to form the Election Commission will submit names today. The government will form the Election Commission based on that name. There has been practically no election in Bangladesh since 2008. Hasina’s government has been an expired government or an unelected government since 2014. Therefore, we think that the collapse that occurred in the election system must be repaired or reformed. It is the responsibility of the government to reform it and create a properly acceptable electoral framework. The government needs to take initiatives in that regard as soon as possible.
He said, there are many reforms, which are long-term reforms, which cannot be implemented without an elected permanent government. However, as an interim government, this government can create many foundations. It will be created through various commissions. That process can continue. But Bangladesh needs to prepare for the elections, take a specific announcement about when the elections will be held, and by what methods they will proceed. If this announcement is not made properly, if it is prolonged, there is a possibility of distrust or uncertainty. To avoid that, we think that a specific roadmap should be announced.
He also said, we cannot say exactly how long we want the elections. However, we think that if you take all the work seriously and do it efficiently, then it will take as long as it takes, and if you do not take it seriously, it will take more time. I think the government will take this seriously and give a clear statement to the people on the matter as soon as possible. Otherwise, an uncertainty is being created; there is a possibility of distrust. We are seeing some instability in different areas so that they are stopped. That is why the government needs to take this initiative.
In response to another question, Professor Anu Muhammad said, in different places, different people and different groups, different sections are coming forward with their demands. Their demands must be considered very seriously. Because for many years, there has been deprivation among the people, there are many kinds of anger among the people; there are many kinds of problems. The government should consider them seriously. This tendency of force or arrest or tagging someone if they protest, which was during the previous government, should not continue. Like the battery- rickshaw drivers say or other professionals say, the problem will not be solved by force. It must be resolved by discussing with them, we must move towards a solution.
He said, "If the government plays its role with respect for the people and their dignity, I think many problems will be solved. We will be saved from the tendency of violence or coercion in society." In response to a question about constitutional reform, he further said, "Our main demand is to repeal the articles that have been added to the constitution for dictatorship or centralization of power and wealth. Another is that we must ensure that there is no discrimination against people of different races, religions, genders, and languages in Bangladesh. They must have constitutional recognition. And our multi-ethnic, multi-religious character must be ensured in the constitution. And education and medical care must be ensured as basic constitutional rights of the people. Measures must be taken in that way because no previous government could ensure that." Also present at the press conference at that time were Dhaka University (DU) teachers Mosaida Sultana, Michael Chakma, CPD presidium member Abdullah Al Kafi, Dr. Harunur Rashid, Joint Convener of the GAC Maha Mirza, Seema Dutta and others.