Information Adviser Nahid Islam said yesterday that there has been no decision about student representatives resigning from the interim government to join a political party.
“No such decision [to resign] has been made yet. If and when it happens, we will announce it ourselves. If we decide to join a political party or quit the government, we will announce it officially.”
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel. Nahid, also the posts and telecommunications adviser, made the remarks while speaking to journalists at the ministry.
“No such decision has been made from my end or Asif’s [Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan] end. We’re carrying out our roles within the government.”
A Bangla daily newspaper reported yesterday that advisers Nahid Islam and Asif Mahmud were set to resign from the cabinet and join a political party likely to be floated by the July uprising leaders in February.
Asked about the report, Nahid said, “I have seen the report. The newspaper did not clarify its source. They should have been more responsible in their reporting.
“I had previously mentioned that we will not join any political party while still being part of the interim government.”
Asked whether the Awami League would be banned, Nahid said the government has yet to reach a decision.
“Since the judicial process is ongoing, we want to see how far the legal proceedings go and what the court rules.”
He further said the matter needs to be discussed with political parties, as it is both a legal and a political decision.
“Personally, and from the perspective of student leaders, we believe that after what the Awami League has done over the past 15 years, including the massacre in July, they should no longer be allowed to do politics under the name and banner of Awami League,” said Nahid.
He, however, said they do not want to begin a cycle of political vengeance.
“We want justice, and reconciliation as well,” said Nahid.