Environment adviser rejects safe exit claims, affirms commitment to Bangladesh

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, firmly denied allegations of seeking a "safe exit" from the country. 

Responding to a claim by Nahid Islam, she stated, "Advisers are looking for a safe exit? Nahid Islam must substantiate this. I’m not seeking any exit. I was born here, and I will live my life in Bangladesh." 

She made the remarks during a media interaction at the Secretariat on Wednesday.

Addressing Nahid Islam’s comments, Rizwana Hasan clarified, "Like all political parties, the government maintains good relations with the newly formed party. Nahid Islam’s remarks about a safe exit or advisers are his party’s views. The government cannot respond to every unofficial statement."

She added, "Political leaders often comment on various issues—it’s their democratic right. If we react to every statement, how will we manage our ministries? When issues are formally raised, the government will address them. Informal statements don’t warrant a response. It’s not my role to validate or refute them."

On the upcoming elections, Rizwana Hasan confirmed, "Elections will hold under this interim government in February. The situation is stable, and trials are progressing as planned."

Regarding political consensus, she noted, "There’s no agreement on various proposals yet, but discussions with parties are ongoing. The focus is on how to implement consensus. Political parties have the right to voice their views, but the government must prioritise running ministries."