Interim govt did not assume responsibility solely to hold elections: Rizwana

The interim government did not assume responsibility solely to conduct elections, it also aims to carry out reforms and ensure justice, said Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today (23 May) – emphasising the current administration's broader mandate.

"I would put it like this – we had a long discussion after yesterday's meeting. We have three major responsibilities, all of which are difficult: reform, justice and election.

"We did not take charge just to hold an election. We are responsible for the other two as well, and the question is whether we are being able to fulfil them," she said while talking to reporters after an event in Dhaka today (23 May).

Her comments came as journalists queried regarding yesterday's (22 May) four-hour-long unscheduled Advisory Council meeting where Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed frustration over various obstacles, political unrest, and non-cooperation from political parties and said he was considering resigning.

"Since we assumed responsibility, people have taken to the streets with all sorts of demands, blocking roads, practically paralysing Dhaka. We discussed whether we have been able to do anything to ease that gridlock," Rizwana said the growing unrest in the capital.

"After reflecting on this, we realised this is a national responsibility. And we've always said we're not in power – we're in charge. That responsibility can only be fulfilled with everyone's cooperation. Expectations are one thing, but fulfilling duties is another," she added.

The adviser further stated, "These disruptions are becoming major obstacles to carrying out our three core responsibilities. We are collectively considering how to confront these obstacles, whether we can confront them at all, and if not, then what our next course of action should be."

Speaking about the timeframe for the next national election, she said, "The chief adviser has said it and it was made clear from the start. He has given a timeframe from December to June. We cannot go a day beyond that.

"There cannot be room for any alternate narrative, because it has been repeatedly said that a specific timeframe has been set."

She also acknowledged the pressure faced by the government, stating, "The only pressure we feel is from our own conscience about whether we are delivering. If we can perform our duties, then our position is justified. If not, then it is not."

Reflecting on the government's achievements so far, Rizwana said, "Despite the challenges, we have made significant progress. The reform commissions have submitted their reports, consensus-building among political parties is underway, and a timeframe for the election has been defined.

"We now have two tribunals instead of one. But all this progress must proceed smoothly. From the start, we have called for the removal of obstacles to this work."