Farhad Mazhar denies govt legitimacy under current constitution

Prominent writer and political thinker Farhad Mazhar has declared that he does not consider the current government, formed under the existing constitution, to be legitimate.

He made the statement during a roundtable discussion titled "National Culture: New Bangladesh in Perspective", organized by the Imaginext Foundation at the Maulana Mohammad Akram Khan Hall of the National Press Club on Friday.

"I speak for the people. There is no question of always being in favour of this government," Mazhar said. "The fight against all forms of fascism will continue."

He criticised the existing constitutional framework, aligning himself with the students' July Declaration, which he referred to as a demand for a new constitution. "The British made laws, but the people make constitutions. A constitution created by the looting mafia class to exploit the poor is not a constitution of the people. A real constitution is one in which the people participate directly," he argued.

Mazhar also questioned the legitimacy of Bengali nationalism, describing it as a form of fascism. "There has been a popular uprising in Bangladesh against fascist powers and state systems. Culturally, anti-fascism is a core component of our identity," he stated.

Positioning himself against all forms of nationalism—including religion and ethnic—Mazhar said, "There is no place for nationalism in Islam. Our stance is against Bengali nationalism as well as religious nationalism."

Commenting on the celebration of Pahela Baishakh, Mazhar praised the interim government’s inclusive approach. "The festival has become a symbol of unity, where Bengalees, small ethnic groups, secularists, religious communities, atheists, and traditional faith followers all take part. This collective participation is what defines a nation—a true political community," he said.