Rizwana asks Nahid to clarify remarks on advisers' 'safe exit'

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Wednesday said National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam must clarify his recent remarks suggesting that some advisers are seeking a "safe exit".
"Once he clarifies, the government can take a stance. There is no scope to make any statement before that," she told reporters at the Secretariat in Dhaka, responding to questions about NCP chief Nahid Islam's comment.
In a recent television interview, Mr Nahid alleged that several advisers had established links with political parties with a view to ensuring their own safe exit from the interim government.
The statement drew sharp reactions on social media.
Asked about the issue, Syeda Rizwana Hasan said, "The interim government maintains a good working relationship with all parties, including new political ones. Did he [Nahid] make this remark out of grievance? He has to clarify it himself. If he does, the government will then consider its response."
"The statement is his to explain, not mine," the adviser added. "Had it been specific, perhaps the government would have responded. There is no scope for us to take a position based on such vague remarks."
When asked if any advisers were indeed planning to leave, she replied, "I am not looking for an exit at all. I have faced many challenges in my life and stayed in the country through all of them. I will continue to live and work in Bangladesh."
On whether the government had discussed the matter internally, Rizwana said, "Political leaders are free to comment on various issues -- that's part of democracy. If we react to every comment, when will we run our ministries? Only when an issue is officially raised will the government respond."
She also reaffirmed the government's position on holding the national election in February. "The overall situation in the country is completely stable. All political parties have begun preparing for the election. We believe there is no reason to question that it will be held in February," she said.
Regarding justice and reforms, she said both are ongoing processes. "We are committed to ensuring justice. As the pressure on one tribunal increased, we created another. The government is prioritising justice, and work is progressing accordingly," she added.

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