Farhad Mazhar has questioned the legitimacy of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus’s authority to create reform commissions. Speaking at a discussion titled “What Needs to Be Done for Educational and State Reform” at the Economic Reporters’ Forum auditorium in Dhaka on Saturday, the poet and theorist emphasized the importance of addressing the legitimacy issue before moving forward with the commissions.
Since taking office on August 8, the interim government has established six commissions aimed at reforming key state institutions and agencies. However, Mazhar criticized the selection process, stating, “He [Yunus] is choosing individuals of his own preference for various commissions. Who granted you the right to form a commission? There are already questions regarding your legitimacy. How can you continue with this process? First, address that issue.”
Despite his criticisms, Mazhar expressed strong support for the interim government, firmly opposing any return to the regime of Sheikh Hasina, which he described as ‘fascist.’ He asserted, “We are willing to support this government. We do not want Hasina’s fascist regime back under any circumstances. We will resist it at all costs. The only reason you [Yunus] remain in power is because we are opposing it.”
He concluded by stating, “If we had not tried to resist, this weak government would not have lasted this long. We believe it is our duty to safeguard this mass uprising, and we are fulfilling that responsibility.”
