Shishir writes PM criticising political culture
Senior Supreme Court lawyer Mohammad Shishir Manir has issued an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, offering what he described as “nine pieces of advice” and cautioning against what he termed “unpleasant truths” in the current political context.
In the letter, posted on his verified Facebook page on Friday (April 17) at around 10:15am, Manir raised several concerns regarding what he described as a qualitative transformation of politics. Addressing the letter to “Mr Tarique Rahman, Honourable Prime Minister, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh,” he wrote: “Today I will tell you a few unpleasant truths. You are in power now.
That is why many people will not want to tell you these things. Many will feel hesitant. Some will be afraid.”
He added that accepting or rejecting his observations was entirely the Prime Minister’s prerogative, warning that excessive flattery has historically led to the
downfall or humiliation of many public figures.
“In the past, many have been humiliated due to excessive flattery. Degree after degree, title after title—yet in the end, none of it could protect them. Recently, I see the same thing being done with you and your family. Who is doing it? Why are they doing it? You yourself can best answer that,” he wrote.
Citing several examples, Manir referred to parliamentary discussions and public gestures, including proposals to declare the Prime Minister a “child freedom fighter,” congratulatory motions following his inclusion in Time magazine’s “100 most influential people,” and the use of state protocol and public attention for his daughter, Zaima Rahman, despite her holding no official government position.
He also mentioned comparisons made in parliament between the Prime Minister and Emperor Babur, as well as the posthumous Independence Award conferred upon “Deshanetri Begum Khaleda Zia” through his daughter. Additionally, he criticised what he described as the Cricket Board becoming “a gathering place for the children of central leaders,” and noted instances of individuals “bowing down and touching your feet in salutation,” though he acknowledged that one such instance had been stopped.
At the same time, Manir recognised what he described as “simple and straightforward exceptional examples” set by the Prime Minister, including wearing ordinary clothing, reducing the use of protocol, walking on foot, conserving electricity, maintaining punctual office attendance, and working on holidays.
He wrote that following the “mass uprising,” people no longer wished to see flattery but instead expected effective governance and results.
“The more capable and honest a person is, the more acceptable they will be. If you can solve complex problems, you will become popular on your own. If you cannot solve them, people will turn away on their own,” he stated.
Manir also commented on what he described as a growing preference among the younger generation for merit-based leadership over family-centred politics. While acknowledging the contributions of the Prime Minister’s parents, he urged that family members should be encouraged to establish themselves through merit and cautioned against attempts to create “artificial leadership,” warning it could generate public resentment.
He emphasised that his remarks were not motivated by personal interest, stressing the public’s right to criticise the head of government.
“Since you are the Prime Minister and a public figure, everyone has the right to criticise and discuss you. Especially after the mass uprising, people expect something new,” he wrote.
Referring to governance issues, Manir also alleged inconsistencies between promises and implementation, claiming that the government had deviated from its proposed approach regarding the “July Charter” and was disregarding the proposed referendum.
“This is damaging your personal standing. I request you to reflect on the matter,” he added.
He concluded by expressing support for good governance, stating: “We are always in favour of good work and against actions that go against the people’s interests. May you remain well and in good health.”
