Fakhrul's statement political, no distance with govt: Rizwana

The recent comments made by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir regarding the upcoming national election were political in nature and not indicative of any rift between the BNP and the government, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said today (15 January).

Responding to journalists' questions during a press conference at the secretariat on the progress of the "Natural Capital Mapping" initiative, Rizwana said that there was no gap between them.

Fakhrul had called on the interim government to take action for holding the national election between July and August.

Rizwana said, "This is not a question of a gap. If you observe the whole process, the reform commissions are working, and all political parties, including the BNP, have provided written opinions. Therefore, they have accepted the idea of reforms. They have been saying from the beginning that reforms are necessary."

She also said, "Any political party can make its political statement. They have an audience, and they will speak their mind. There is no issue of a gap here. The statements made by political parties are their political statements. There is no room for conflict here."

The adviser added that decisions will be reached through discussions, and that Fakhrul's comments should be viewed as those of a political party spokesperson, while the government's stance was from their official position.

She said that discussions with political parties are expected to begin by mid-February. When asked about talks with the Jatiya Party, she mentioned that several issues, including reforms, the election roadmap, and the demand for justice, were being addressed concurrently.

Regarding Bangladesh's water rights, the adviser reaffirmed the country's commitment to protecting its interests over shared rivers. With the Ganges treaty set to expire soon, she announced that efforts to extend it until 2026 were underway, with discussions planned with India.

On the matter of the Teesta master plan, Rizwana raised concerns about public understanding of the plan. She asserted that consultations with local people would be held starting next month to ensure their concerns were reflected in the plan, irrespective of its specific title.

Lastly, responding to a question about the ongoing efforts to bring Sheikh Hasina back from India, Rizwana said that the Indian position, based on available information, indicated that she would not be returned. An official response will be provided once received.