Safe exit: How interim govt advisers responded to NCP leaders’ accusations
Several members of the interim government’s Advisory Council have posted clear rebuttals of the remarks made by the NCP leaders
Three advisers of the interim government have firmly rebutted allegations of seeking a "safe exit" from the country, with three offering refutations to controversial remarks made by National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam, who alleged that many advisers have established ties with political parties.
Many advisers have looked after their own interests or have betrayed the spirit of the mass uprising. When the time comes, we will make their names public
His statement, made in an interview with Ekattor TV on 5 October, has triggered widespread discussions and criticism on a national level.
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Nahid, who served as the interim government's information adviser before taking charge of NCP in February, said the student leaders had not sought government positions but had called for a national government instead.
He claimed that without the involvement of political forces or the revolutionary momentum that had led to the interim government's formation, it would not have survived even three months.
Nahid went on to say, "It was a mistake to trust some political leaders and advisers. We should have strengthened the student leadership instead. We were ultimately betrayed after the trust and confidence we had placed in the civil society and political parties. Many advisers have looked after their own interests or have betrayed the spirit of the mass uprising. When the time comes, we will make their names public."
He added, "Many advisers have liaised with various political parties and are thinking of their safe exit."
Adding fuel, NCP Chief Organiser (North) Sarjis Alam on 7 October said, "Some advisers think they can just complete their duties superficially and leave through the elections. But a post-uprising government cannot function with such negligence."
"They are standing on the blood of countless martyrs. If they act this way, they won't be able to face the people of this country. For them, there is no safe exit other than death. No matter where they go, Bangladeshis will hold them accountable," he added.
Meanwhile, NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossain told BBC Bangla that the statement of his party leaders on the 'safe exit' of the advisers is the overall statement of the NCP.
"Some advisers, instead of taking responsibility for carrying it [duties imposed by the July Uprising] out, want to escape from the responsibility entrusted to them. Nahid or Sarjis have said the same thing," he said.
Advisers' rebuttals
From then on, several members of the interim government's Advisory Council have posted clear rebuttals of the remarks made by the NCP leaders.
Women and Children Affairs Adviser Sharmin S Murshid dismissed the controversial "safe exit" remarks, terming the allegations as "political".
Speaking to Ekattor TV on 6 October, the adviser rejected the notion that members of the interim government are seeking to flee the country.
"This government took responsibility under a special circumstance," Murshid stated. "I do not believe the advisers need a safe exit or secure departure."
Adding her voice to the chorus of rejections, Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan also hit back at the claims yesterday (8 October), challenging Nahid to provide specific details.
"I am not seeking any exit at all. I will spend the rest of my life in Bangladesh," she told reporters at the Secretariat. She stressed that the government could not respond to informal comments and urged the NCP leader to substantiate his allegations.
"Now, why he [Nahid] made comments about advisers' safe exit or what grievance prompted him to do so, he should explain it," she asserted, adding that a government response was only possible if the issue were "formally communicated" with specificity.
Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan publicly condemned the notion, calling the idea of contemplating an exit at his age a matter of "deep sorrow".
In a Facebook post shared this morning (9 October), he stated, "Therefore, if I have to think about a safe exit at the age of 72+ today, it would be a matter of deep sorrow!!!"
In the post, he detailed a gruelling day of public service spent tackling infrastructure crises, and noted his commitment to ethical conduct and public service over personal gain, including having previously forgone permanent residency opportunities abroad.
