It’s an ill-mannered govt, says Manna

It’s an ill-mannered govt, says Manna

Dhaka, Nov 3 (Just New): The ruling party has made the dialogue 'unimportant' by inviting its own allies, said Mahmudur Rahman Manna, a leader of the Jatiya Oikya Front.

"What does a dialogue mean? Do you need a dialogue with your adviser, whom you speak to four or five times a day? Or the leader of the opposition whom you meet in and out of the parliament? Why do you need a dialogue with your cabinet minister who just belongs to another party?” said Manna.

The criticism of the government by Manna came just two days after he sat with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for talks over lavish dinner at Ganabhaban.

With the Election Commission set to announce the polls schedule, Hasina unexpectedly responded to a request from the Jatiya Oikya Front led by Dr Kamal Hossain and sat for a dialogue with the opposition parties on Thursday. She invited Bikalpadhara, Jatiya Party and the Ganatantrik Jote to talks too.

"You sat with us as we wanted to have a dialogue. Now you want to malign it. You are inviting each and every one to the dialogue.”

"It’s a farce. Do you think you are smart? The people now know the measure of you. You should quit, or there is only one way left," he said.

“We won't leave the streets. The way we'll do it your henchmen won't shoot anymore. We'll create a situation that you'll have no control over. Your downfall is confirmed," Manna said he threatened to continue the movement.

The Jatiya Oikya Front will hold a meeting at the Suhrawardy Udyan on Nov 6 and in Rajshahi on Nov 9, Manna said.

Manna criticised the government for disseminating photos of the dialogue on the social media. “There were no journalists during the closed-door meeting at Ganabhaban. Then how were the photos posted on Facebook?” he said.

“This government has an ill intention."

The government invited the Oikya Front leaders to the talks over dinner but they refused to join the feast, said Manna.

“And the government agreed. But we never said we won't even have water. It's a common gesture that they will offer us water, tea and snacks. But what do they want to prove by posting photos of snacks with bowls of soup? Does it imply that these leaders have never eaten something like that and gone there to eat? It’s an ill-mannered government.”

Manna urged the government to hold another round of talks with the Jatiya Oikya Front.

He spoke at the discussion on elections, organised by Matir Daak, a sociocultural organisation. Tasnim Rana, chief of the organisation, presided over the meeting.