“This Government Didn’t Take Charge Just to Hold Elections”: Advisor Rizwana

Staff Reporter

Dhaka, 23 May 2025: Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Water Resources, stated that the current government has three primary responsibilities—reforms, justice, and elections. She emphasized that the government did not assume power merely to conduct elections but to fulfill broader national responsibilities. She made these remarks while responding to journalists’ questions after the 24th National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Bangladesh Zoological Society at Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building, Dhaka University, on Friday.

The advisor informed that reform commissions have already submitted their reports, and the process of building political consensus is underway. Additionally, the number of tribunals has been increased to expedite judicial proceedings. She confirmed that the national parliamentary elections would be held between December 2025 and June 2026, with no possibility of extending this timeframe.

However, the Environment Ministry has faced criticism for its activities. Over the past ten months, the ministry’s only visible initiative was an awareness campaign at Bijoy Sarani, where 5-6 volunteers stood with placards saying, “Don’t Honk Loudly.” Critics pointed out that no significant progress has been made in banning polythene, relocating factories, or reclaiming canals. Nevertheless, the advisor inaugurated a canal excavation program with a red-carpet reception, which was highlighted as a notable achievement.

Additionally, the Environment Advisor forcibly halted travel to St. Martin’s Island, endangering its ecosystem. Even after nine months, no measures have been taken by the ministry to protect the biodiversity and livelihoods dependent on St. Martin’s, nor has anyone checked whether the people and the wildlife they depend on are surviving or facing extinction. Critics argue that the ministry has no significant accomplishments to showcase in ten months.

When asked about pressure, Rizwana replied, “Our only concern is whether our responsibilities align with our conscience and values. We did not come to seize power; we came to fulfill our duties.” She added that solutions to problems should be sought through dialogue rather than creating obstacles. She acknowledged that if there are hindrances in performing their duties, ways to address them are being considered, and failure to fulfill responsibilities would render their efforts meaningless.

She called for everyone’s cooperation, stating, “Our responsibilities will only be meaningful if we all work together.”