Considering ‘safe exit’ at 72 age would be of deep sorrow: Adviser Fouzul
Fouzul says he holds great respect for Nahid
Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan has dismissed claims that members of the interim government are seeking a "safe exit" from the country, calling the suggestion made by National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam a matter of "deep sorrow" at his age of 72.
The adviser issued the rebuttal in a Facebook post today (9 October), recounting a demanding day spent inspecting rail and road infrastructure and highlighting his long-standing commitment to public service.
NCP Convener Nahid Islam alleged that some advisers were liaising with political parties and are thinking of their "safe exit" as they are prioritising self-interest over the spirit of the July Uprising.
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Adviser Fouzul in his post detailed his role marked by professional sacrifices and strict ethical conduct. "Since joining as an adviser, my diary has been the same. Yesterday, too, I returned home at 8pm. I have not taken any unfair advantage while in office. I have not given any business or job to relatives or friends."
He added, "Therefore, if I have to think about a 'safe exit' at the age of 72+ today, it would be a matter of deep sorrow!!!" the adviser wrote.
The post also mentioned that the adviser had previously foregone confirmed opportunities for permanent residency in the United States and Singapore during his tenure as a teacher.
The log was posted following a highly demanding workday spent inspecting rail and road conditions. The adviser also said he holds great respect for Nahid as both a "dear friend and a veteran" of the uprising.
Nahid's remarks on 5 October were followed by NCP Chief Organiser (North) Sarjis Alam stating on 7 October that there was "no safe exit other than death." NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossain later claimed the comments reflected the party's overall position.
Other advisers swiftly rejected the allegations. Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmin S Murshid described the claims as "political" and that there was no need for advisers to seek a secure departure.
Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan also countered the assertions, challenging Nahid to provide specific evidence. "I am not seeking any exit at all. I will spend the rest of my life in Bangladesh," she said, urging the NCP leader to substantiate his allegations.
Commenting on the comments, NCP Joint Convener Sarwar Tushar told TBS yesterday that the party has observed several advisers attempting to liaise with a potential future political government, showing negligence and lack of responsibility in the duties assigned to them after the uprising.
NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossain alleged that advisers are now merely focused on handing over power while exhibiting an escape mentality.
"That is exactly what Nahid Islam has said," he told TBS.
He added that advisers are now "preoccupied with safeguarding their own security rather than fulfilling reform mandates". This, he claimed, is causing unnecessary delays in implementing essential reforms.
