Nagorik Oikyo President Mahmudur Rahman Manna has criticised the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, for failing to implement fundamental reforms in the past 10 months.
Speaking at a program in Dhaka, Manna said: “They talk about reforms, but there’s no evidence of them in the budget, economy, police, education—nowhere. So, what are these reforms really about?”
He further noted: “There’s a task force, but it’s ineffective. The reforms in the police and administration are not being communicated clearly, and there isn’t even a committee in place. This raises the question: who are these so-called reforms for, and what is their purpose?”
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Commenting on the proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, Manna stated that it lacks measures to address discrimination and merely reflects the current political situation.
He welcomed the recent meeting in London between the chief adviser and the acting BNP chairman, noting their agreement on the upcoming general elections. However, Manna expressed a desire for more details about the discussion.
Emphasising the necessity of elections, he said: “There’s no alternative to holding elections. While unexpected international or geopolitical events could arise, elections remain essential. The notion of a ‘minus election’ lacks any basis. The issue of elections was previously stalled, but now it’s starting to move forward.”
Manna added: “The BNP has stated that elections cannot occur on the proposed date, while the government claims only one party is objecting. The way discussions are progressing suggests the deadlock is easing, which I view as positive. I’m advocating for elections because I believe in democracy.”
Manna also highlighted the lack of international cooperation in recovering laundered money, stating: “Wherever we go in the world, no one is helping us recover these funds. Everyone invites us to discuss reforms—what’s needed, what must be done to transform the country—and these assurances come from the highest levels. But look at the UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer. Has he made any decisions on returning laundered money, or have we failed to engage in meaningful discussions?”
Before the UK visit, the government announced that Muhammad Yunus would meet the UK Prime Minister, as it was a state visit. Later, the press wing falsely claimed the meeting was uncertain because Sir Keir Starmer was in Canada.
However, the Financial Times reported that the UK prime minister had declined the meeting request in advance. Meanwhile, the UK government has been assisting in freezing the assets of certain Bangladeshi individuals.
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