Yunus-led govt failed to take bold decisions: Asif Mahmud

Former adviser to Dr Muhammad Yunus-led interim government and National Citizen Party (NCP) spokesperson Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan said that the interim government had ‘collectively failed to take bold decisions’ despite assuming office after the July Uprising.

Speaking at a meet-the-press programme at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Sunday, Asif said, "The interim government came to power immediately after the mass uprising, and there has been criticism of its performance. I also have self-criticism."

“I think the political parties were uncooperative. Hundreds of movements took place. Whenever the government tried to take any initiative, complications and a lack of cooperation emerged. The interim government collectively failed to take bold decisions,” he alleged.

Asif Mahmud said that years of exploitation, deprivation and repression had created deep public resentment, while the July Uprising merely provided the spark that mobilised ordinary people.

“The common people came to the streets, sacrificed their lives, and many lost their hands and legs to make the mass uprising successful,” he added.

He also acknowledged shortcomings within the political forces that led the movement, saying, “Our biggest failure was that we could not organise ourselves to build a democratic state. Instead of accepting responsibility, many prefer to blame one another.”

Meanwhile, addressing a discussion titled 'Jaan Deb, July Deb Na' at the National Press Club, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari alleged that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had already failed to govern effectively.

“There is no gas, no electricity, households are facing an energy crisis, banks are short of money, and party terrorism is taking place across the country,” he alleged.