Rizvi criticises Rizwana for comments on political reforms

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has strongly criticised recent comments made by Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on political reforms, terming those as "misleading" and "incorrect".

Speaking to reporters at Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Mirpur this morning, Rizvi said Rizwana's remarks hinted at depoliticisation and could strain the relationship between politicians and civil society.

"This statement by the adviser is wrong and misleading. All reforms have been carried out through the parliament. Various demands raised by the people were implemented in the parliament, and politicians played a significant role in this process," Rizvi said.

Rizwana yesterday questioned the lack of progress in political reforms during the past 53 years, calling for accountability from political parties and immediate actions. She said, "If political reforms cannot be achieved without the involvement of political parties, why haven't they been implemented in the last 53 years?"

Responding to her comments, Rizvi today said, "All democratic political parties have supported the interim government. Drawing a dividing line between politicians and civil society will create complexities in strengthening democracy."

"The adviser has made a utterly incorrect and untruthful statement. There is no precedent that civil society has ever achieved anything by sidelining someone or keeping someone awayd," he added.