Govt fails to curb prices but can reinstate quota system: Manna

Staff Reporter :

Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna on Thursday accused the government of failing to reduce commodity price and ensuring peoples right, but can use judiciary for ensuring quota system.

He accused the government of using the judiciary to curtail the rights of the country’s people.

“Is this a government? It cannot lower the cost of commodities nor ensure our democratic rights. But it can use the court for the quota system in public jobs,” Manna said while addressing at a rally in front of the National Press Club to protest the ‘police attack’ on the then-opposition chief whip and BNP MP Zainul Abedin Farroque in front of the Parliament complex 14 years ago.

The Ziaur Rahman Samaj Kalyan Forum organised the programme.

“The United States has imposed sanctions against the person it (Bangladesh govt) had appointed as the army chief. Allegations of corruption are now spreading like bad odour against the person who was once the chief of the police force during this regime,” he said.

Nagorik Oikkya leader said university teachers have launched a movement rejecting the new pension scheme, Prottoy, which has led to the closure of universities.

“I read in the newspaper that the Awami League General Secretary and Bridges Minister was supposed to meet with them (teachers), but later I heard that it was postponed,” he said.

“The situation is getting complicated for the government to handle as students have taken to the streets, demanding the abolition of quotas in government jobs while the teachers are on a movement demanding the withdrawal of the new universal pension scheme Prottoy,” Manna said.

Zainul Abedin Farroque attended the program but chose not to address the event.

Zainul Abedin Farroque was seriously injured when a group of police attacked a procession of BNP MPs in front of the Parliament building on Manik Mia Avenue in the capital on July 6, 2011.

Manna criticised the government for what he said not taking any action against the police officers who assaulted the then opposition party chief whip of the Parliament.

Manna opposed the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed with India during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent visit to New Delhi.

He said these deals would jeopardise the country’s independence and sovereignty.

“The government is trying to say these are MoUs, not agreements. But when a memorandum of understanding is signed, it implies that it will form the basis of an agreement,” he said.