Not Yunus' resignation, need consensus-based solution to overcome political crisis

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus's resignation will not help overcome the emerging political crisis in the country but rather deepen it, the Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) said today, calling on all stakeholders to reach a consensus-based solution through dialogue during this time.

AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju made the call at a press conference in Dhaka today (23), held in the wake of reports that CA Yunus is considering resignation amid the political instability, reads a press statement.

"Yesterday, national and international media reported on the chief adviser's willingness to resign, citing NCP chief Nahid Islam. This has deeply concerned the people. We have not yet received any clear statement from the government.

"We believe that, in this special situation, the current complex crisis is the result of mistakes and discomforting actions by everyone. The resignation of the Chief Adviser is not a solution—instead, it will lead to dreadful uncertainty. We call upon all parties to reach a consensus-based agreement through dialogue to resolve the crisis," said Monju.

He also said the AB Party was concerned about the situation in the country over the past few months and the visible distance between the government and various stakeholders. "We had warned that if this continued, it would gradually lead to complexity and crisis. We had also pointed out that the government had lost its authority and control in many sectors, including the administration."

The AB Party chairman noted that the recent confrontational statements and demands by the leaders of the BNP and the National Citizen Party (NCP), and the recent statement by the Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman have only added to the present confusion. 

"Over the past few days, the conflicting statements by BNP and NCP, the demand for the resignation of six advisers, the blockade of the Jamuna, and various movements and demands in recent months—combined with the speech reportedly delivered by the Army chief during an officers' address, which was widely circulated on social media and in some newspapers—have created a great deal of confusion. Clearly, relations between the government, the BNP and the NCP have deteriorated.

"The statement attributed to the Army chief indicates a lack of coordination between the government and the Army," he said.

He also criticised the advisers of the interim government for taking no initiative to keep the student body, which led the mass uprising, united.

"The actions and behaviour of some advisers have destroyed the solidarity and national unity among political parties. The newly formed political party NCP, comprised of students, has unnecessarily engaged in disputes on several issues, which have damaged their image and credibility," he also said in criticism of the NCP and its advisers.

The AB Party chief went on to point out that major political parties, including the BNP, have made inconsistent statements regarding reforms, justice, elections, and the banning of the Awami League's political activities.

"The two major parties have disrupted the administration and law and order through their power-centred conflicts. The government's stance on these matters has been vague and weak. Due to the absence of a clear announcement regarding the election roadmap and the suspicion that the government wants to remain in power indefinitely, mistrust has become evident among several political parties," he said.

Meanwhile, further speaking on the Army chief's recent remarks, Monju said his party learned of the matter through news reports and social media. 

Pointing out that this is not the first time the Army chief has made such remarks, he said, "The Army chief had previously spoken about holding elections within 18 months. He has also spoken openly about the BDR mutiny trial, inclusive elections, and reforms."

He also said it would have been better if the information had been divulged through the ISPR or by the Army itself.

Stating that the government is yet to give any official reaction to Gen Waker's remarks, he said, "The current interim government is a special type of government, where the army and the government are working closely. Therefore, there is no opportunity to look at the government and the army chief's statements separately.

"On Wednesday, he [the army chief] spoke on issues including the corridor, Chittagong port lease issue, and his disagreement with the government's views was observed. This sends the wrong message to the nation and adds a new dimension to the complexity. The government should find a solution through dialogue with all parties."