Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said that the removal of the President’s photograph from Bangladesh’s missions abroad has no connection with the upcoming national elections.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, she addressed recent media reports claiming that verbal instructions were issued to remove the president’s photo from all embassies.
Asked what message this could be sending ahead of the polls, Rizwana responded, “I don’t know if it sends any message at all. Like you, I’ve heard it and read about it in the newspapers. Since I don’t work in a foreign embassy, I can’t say what the context is — but I don’t believe it has anything to do with the election.”
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Commenting on speculation that the President may be replaced and the Chief Justice appointed in his place, she said such discussions are endless.
“Is there ever an end to these kinds of discussions? I’ve heard all sorts of things — that there won’t be elections even by June, that elections will happen this month. We, Bangladeshis, are politically very aware — everyone has an explanation for everything,” she said.
“Maybe there’s no explanation behind this specific issue. But what is absolutely clear is that it has no connection with the election.”
A photo cannot influence or relate to the electoral process, she added.