Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain on Sunday clarified "some misunderstandings" regarding his discussions with local journalists at Cox’s Bazar Circuit House on 18 October, noting that some media outlets have "unfortunately misrepresented" his statements.
"In response to questions about the upcoming parliamentary elections, some newspapers, online news portals, and other media outlets have unfortunately misrepresented my statements. It was reported that I stated Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, and the Chief of Army's comments were not aligned with the government’s position on the elections," he said in a clarification.
The Adviser said the assertion is both incorrect and misleading. "I did not mention the Chief of Army or the Adviser to the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs in any of my remarks."
Additionally, he said, his comment regarding the interim period — where he explained that "Interim means one government has stepped down, and until the next government assumes office, they are fulfilling this interim role" — has also been distorted.
"Such misreporting is deeply regrettable, and my office has already issued a rejoinder to the concerned media, respectfully requesting that future reporting is based on accurate and objective information," said the Adviser.
For reference, a video recording of the briefing held at Cox’s Bazar Circuit House is available online and archived in his office, he said in his clarification shared by Chief Adviser's press wing on Sunday night.