‘The State Is Not About Running Grameen Bank, the State Is Something Else’

Renowned poet and political thinker Farhad Mazhar has criticised Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, asserting that by taking the oath of office, he has disregarded the people’s uprising, and therefore his government holds no legitimacy.

Mazhar made these remarks on Tuesday during a discussion entitled “Fascist State System and Elections” at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia Hall of the National Press Club. The event was organised by the Centre for Democracy and Peace Studies.

Mazhar emphasised: “The state is not about running Grameen Bank; the state is a separate entity. By upholding Sheikh Hasina’s constitution, you have denied the people’s uprising. Without independence from the constitution, institutions, and the international and geopolitical context, discussing elections is meaningless.”

He questioned the purpose of holding elections under the current circumstances: “Why do you wish to hold elections? You came to power through a popular uprising, but the true hero of any uprising is the people—not any individual.”

Farhad Mazhar criticised several of Dr Yunus’s decisions, including:

• Identifying youth as “masterminds”
• Formation of the National Consensus Commission
• Lack of adequate dialogue with the public

He also argued that uncertainty has arisen over Sheikh Hasina’s resignation letter, which, he claimed, amounts to a public spectacle at the expense of the people.

Mazhar raised concerns over foreign involvement in the appointment and selection of advisers, stating:

“You have brought in personnel from the United States and entrusted responsibilities to protect foreign corporate interests. This exposes the country to significant security threats.”

Addressing issues of national security, Mazhar cited several critical matters:

• The Rohingya crisis and Myanmar issue
• Activities of the Arakan armed forces
• Handing over Chittagong port to foreign companies

He warned that such decisions could steer the nation towards serious danger, expressing disappointment that Dr Yunus had failed to understand the true intent of the people’s uprising.

“We hoped he would grasp the essence of the popular movement, but instead, the country is heading into a highly perilous situation under his guidance,” he cautioned.

The discussion also featured speeches from:

• Former Secretary Abdullah Al Mamun
• Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud, Central Working Committee Member of Jamaat-e-Islami and Secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan South
• Lawyer Abu Hena Razzaki
• Retired Army Officer Lieutenant Colonel Hasinur Rahman