Dhaka, May 23 (V7N) — Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forests, Climate Change and Water Resources, has said that merely holding a position is irrelevant if one cannot effectively fulfill the responsibilities that come with it.

Speaking to journalists following the 24th National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Bangladesh Zoological Society, held at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building of Dhaka University on Friday afternoon, Rizwana emphasized the seriousness of the current government's responsibilities.

“We are not here just to hold elections,” she stated. “We have three major responsibilities: reform, trial, and election. Each of these is extremely challenging.”

Responding to a question about political and logistical challenges, she said, “We’ve made significant progress despite adversity. The reform commissions have submitted their reports, and we have initiated dialogue with all political parties to build consensus. The tribunal work has started—while there was only one tribunal before, there are now two, and the trial formalities begin tomorrow.”

National Election Timeline Announced

Rizwana reaffirmed that the next national elections will be held between December 2025 and June 2026, and there is "no possibility of exceeding this timeframe by even a day."

“The Chief Advisor and the Advisory Council are working to ensure the elections are held within the set period. Plans and preparations are already underway,” she said, dismissing doubts regarding the timeline.

“We’re Not in Power—We’re Carrying a National Responsibility”

Addressing the recent wave of protests and blockades in Dhaka, Rizwana said, “Since we took office, roads have been blocked with various demands. The city is becoming stagnant. Our job is not to wield power—we are here to fulfill a national duty. But this responsibility can only be fulfilled with collective cooperation.”

She added that the Advisory Council is continuously evaluating whether they can deliver on their obligations. “If we are able to fulfill our duties, then our presence in these roles is justified. If not, we have our own lives and tasks to return to. Being in charge loses relevance if the responsibilities cannot be fulfilled,” she said with conviction.

On Yunus' Resignation

In response to a question about Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s resignation, Rizwana said, “There are critical responsibilities at hand right now, and fulfilling them may relate to specific timelines. You will hear more on this matter directly from the Chief Advisor.”

Earlier in the day, during the conference of the Zoological Society, Rizwana Hasan also highlighted her ministry’s ongoing efforts and policy measures aimed at environmental conservation and climate resilience.

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