Poet, researcher, and philosopher Farhad Mazhar has criticized the interim government's reform commissions, emphasizing what he says is their failure to consult people and understand their will.
Speaking as the chief discussant at a seminar titled "Post-Mass Uprising Social Reconstruction and the Necessity of Reading Books," organized by Bilkish Alam Library in Comilla’s Chauddagram on Monday, Farhad said the people hold all power.
He continued: "No one can claim to be a ruler without the consent of the people. No law can be passed without the approval of the people. This is what is meant by people's power and popular sovereignty. If people can discuss and come to a decision on any issue, it will be beneficial for society.
"The government must work with the people's advice. A government that does not do so will meet the fate of an authoritarian ruler. When people raise their voices on such issues, they speak up and seek solutions. If their rights are ignored, the people will initiate a mass uprising."
He added that after the mass uprising, Dr Muhammad Yunus came to power and formed many reform commissions.
The people in these commissions are proposing reforms for Bangladesh from their high positions, Farhad noted.
"Who are they consulting? How much have the people been involved with them? The answer is no. Did they ask you, the people, what the problems are in Chauddagram or Comilla? Did they inquire? In this way, a government formed after a popular uprising cannot reform society."
