Dhaka, Aug 17 (V7N) – Forest and Environment Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan confirmed that the national elections will be held in February, dismissing claims linking the removal of President Md. Shahabuddin’s portraits from foreign missions to the upcoming vote.

Speaking at a briefing at the Secretariat on Sunday afternoon, Advisor Rizwana said that the government has carefully planned the election timeline in consultation with political parties. She emphasized that statements from parties such as the NCP, claiming elections might be delayed, reflect political positions and not the government’s decisions.

“The government has announced that elections will be held in February and is committed to that schedule,” she said. She also noted that discussions regarding Constituent Assembly elections will proceed only if all political parties agree.

On the issue of stone quarrying in Jaflong, Advisor Rizwana criticized critics who express concern now, saying, “Those who are feeling sorry for the workers today once caused the deaths of 65–80 workers during sand mining with dynamite. Their sorrow was absent then.”

END/SMA/AJ