Asif Nazrul declines commenting on ‘president’ issue

Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul on Wednesday declined to comment on matters related to President Mohammed Shahabuddin.

While visiting the International Criminal Tribunal in the morning, Asif focused on the progress of the tribunal’s work, saying, “Its work is progressing very well. We hope the trial will begin on November 3 or 4 in this building.” 

Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan and the tribunal’s Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam were also with him.

When pressed by reporters about President Mohammed Shahabuddin, Nazrul avoided the question, stressing his current focus on the tribunal's progress. 

"I can't speak every day. We're here to review the tribunal's progress," he iterated.

Asif is avoiding the issue a day after he and Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam held a meeting with Chief Justice Syed Refat Ahmed on Tuesday behind closed doors, amid calls for the president's resignation from the anti-discrimination student movement.

When asked by reporters about his meeting with the Chief Justice, Asif cut the conversation short, saying, "No, brother, I won't talk about it. I'm busy." He then got on his car, declining further questions.