Three panelists at BBC Sanglap here on Saturday said the recommendation for changing the structure of Grameen Bank demonstrates vengeance against Dr Muhammad Yunus while another said the commission was formed to unveil the nature of relations between Grameen Bank and its other entities.
The programme on contemporary issues was recorded at the city’s Biam Auditorium. BBC journalist Akbar Hossain moderated the programme.
Taking part in the Sanglap, Prime Minister’s economic affairs adviser Dr Mashiur Rahman said, “The commission was formed to decipher the relation between Grameen Bank and its other organisation as their relations is unknown. I don’t think anybody has any clear idea how many branches Grameen bank has?
He further said, “The commission was formed under the Public Enquiry Act. If anyone has any opinion about its recommendations, he or she can convey it to the commission. It won’t be proper to comment on the commission’s motive.”
Dr Mashiur said: “Many people personally respect Dr Yunus. So, it won’t be wise to mix him (Yunus) with this organisation.”
BNP chairperson’s adviser Dr Osman Faruk said, “The government should immediately stop their move to restructure the Grameen Bank and restore its image. It’s a clear vengeance against him (Yunus). The government’s attitude towards the bank is tarnishing Bangladesh’s image abroad.”
Prof M Shahiduzzaman of Dhaka University’s International Relations department said there might be a well-thought-out plan to embarrass Dr Yunus. “There has been no controversy over the Grameen Bank recently …then why the government is intervening in it.”
Advocate of Bangladesh Supreme Court and director of Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (Blast) Sara Hossain said this is an attempt to belittle a particular person and grab the Grameen Bank.
According to media reports, the commission which was formed to investigate the activities of the Grameen Bank and its 48 organisations has recommended bringing a change in the bank’s structure.
In response to a question from the audience whether there is any basis of the Prime Minister’s apprehension that election might not be held if a non-party caretaker government takes over for arranging the polls, Moshiur said the Prime Minister spoke about it in parliament. “If the opposition has any observation in this regard, they can say it in parliament.”
The Prime Minister’s apprehension has no basis, Osman Faruk said, adding, “The caretaker government was introduced as the political parties have no-confidence in each other. Now the situation has turned worse than in 1996.”
Prof Shahiduzzaman said the Prime Minister of a country should not make such remarks as it does not suit her position.
Reacting to a Moshiur’d remark that the opposition can discuss the caretaker-government issue in parliament, Faruk said, “What’s the problem to discuss it outside parliament?
Sara Hossain said, “We need to keep in mind what the majority people want. In recent surveys, conducted by newspapers, we’ve seen most of the people want the caretaker government system to be restored. The Prime Minister should consider it with great importance.”
Source: UNBConnect
