Qamrul, Mozammel not obliged to resign: Law minister
The minister for law, justice and parliamentary affairs, Anisul Huq, on Monday said food minister Md Qamrul Islam and liberation war affairs minister AKM Mozammel Huq were under no legal obligation to resign from the cabinet in the present situation.
‘They have neither violated the constitution nor breached the oath of office here.’
The minister told the reporters after the weekly cabinet meeting chaired by prime minister Sheikh Hasina at the secretariat.
The Appellate Division on Sunday handed convictions to Qamrul Islam and Mozammel Huq finding them guilty of contempt of the court and gross interference with dispensation of justice.
In a short order delivered in a packed court room, the apex court imposed the fine of Tk 50,000 on each minister.
An eight-judge bench of the apex court chaired by the chief justice asked each of the two ministers to deposit the fine of Tk 50,000 Islamic Eye Hospital and the Liver Hospital, both charitable institutions, within seven days.
The failure to pay the fines within the stipulated time would require the two ministers to serve simple jail term for seven days, said short order.
When asked if the ministers should resign, Anisul said this is their personal matter.
The food minister, however, said in his reaction that he would consult with his lawyer on the matter after getting a copy of the full verdict.
In another reaction, the liberation war affairs minister said they would do everything in accordance with the law and the constitution.
Both the ministers also took part in the cabinet meeting.
News Courtesy: www.newagebd.net