Resignation would signify Yunus's failure; decision would be suicidal: Farhad Mazhar

Chief Adviser (CA) Muhammad Yunus made a mistake by expressing his intention to resign, and that resigning would signify his failure and a suicidal move for him, said human rights activist and political analyst Farhad Mazhar today (23 May).

"He should respect the historical will of the people — not any individual or party — and remain steadfast in his trust in the people without being misled by the pressure of any group or faction," Farhad wrote in a post on his verified Facebook page this morning.

The poet's statement came after speculations spread that Yunus, who took charge of the interim government as the CA in August last year after a mass uprising toppled the Awami League from power, was considering resigning from his position.

Yesterday (22 May), after an hour-long meeting of the Advisory Council, Yunus held a four-hour-long unscheduled meeting with the council members where he expressed frustration over various obstacles, political unrest, and non-cooperation from political parties and said he was considering resigning.

Farhad wrote, "The people of Bangladesh have elected Dr Yunus not through an election but through a bloodshedding mass uprising.

"He must ensure the trial of the killers, initiate the process of building a new Bangladesh by drafting a new constitution, implement people-friendly and investment-friendly policies to counter the forced dominance of global corporate interests under the guise of free-market systems, and, above all, build a strong and capable military to confront hostile nations, including Delhi and Myanmar." 

"Bangladesh must ensure the safe return of Rohingyas to their homeland and take the bold step of their rehabilitation. The soldiers of Bangladesh are the sons of this land, deeply connected to the collective will of its people. The people's interests are their interests, for they too are part of the people — none of us has come from Mars," he added. 

Emphasising that elections must be held swiftly, Farhad continued, "The people want an end to the misunderstandings between the chief adviser and the Bangladesh Army. The election must indeed be held as soon as possible, but the army chief's comments on elections beyond his jurisdiction — fueled by conspiratorial quarters — are arguments for reinstating the looters and mafia class in power."

"The people who participated in the mass uprising will not accept this. The responsibility for pushing the country into a battleground of competing power grabs and civil war will then fall on the army chief.

"Everyone must act responsibly to protect the nation and its people — that is the hope of the people," added Farhad, who is a philosopher and environmentalist as well as the husband of Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter.