Weather | Dhaka 
ATM Fazlul Karim The government yesterday sent into forced retirement, Information Secretary ATM Fazlul Karim whose pen name is Abu Karim.
The move came a day after he had been sued for writing a book of poetry where he allegedly cast metaphorical aspersions on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members.
The establishment ministry issued an order to Abu Karim in the afternoon directing him to go into retirement.
"The government has sent the information secretary on compulsory retirement in public interest, as per section 9 (2) of the Public Servants (Retirement) Act 1974, on completion of his 25 years in service," read the government order.
Karim, who was made the information secretary on Jan 19 this year, is the first high level civil bureaucrat to lose his job under the newly elected Awami League (AL)-led grand alliance government.
Moulana Mohammad Elias Hossain Bin Helali, president of Bangladesh Awami Olama League, on Sunday filed a defamation suit against Abu Karim with Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court of Dhaka in connection with the book.
In his complaint, Helali mentioned that the accused had written a book of poetry titled 'Baganey Phutey Achhey Oshonkho Golap' or 'Innumerable Roses Have Blossomed in the Garden', in February 2006, which was published by Suchipatra Prokashona for the Ekushey Book Fair 2008.
A vernacular daily, the Amader Samoy, published an excerpt from the book on February 20 this year and the complainant learnt about the alleged defamatory verse from the news report.
The daily quoted from a poem in the book that allegedly defamed, undermined and criticised Bangabandhu and his family members.
In the book, the writer allegedly called Bangabandhu -- Latifur Rahman and also Alubokhara, called his slain sons Sheikh Kamal -- Komolakoli, Sheikh Jamal -- Jamtoli, and Sheikh Russel -- Roshkoli, according to the complaint.
Such defamatory writings damaged and undermined the image of Bangabandhu's living family members, Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana, and also of his party AL and its front organisations, the law suit alleged. It also damaged the images of all leaders and activists of Bangladesh Awami Olama League, claimed the complainant.
Moulana Helali went on to allege that Abu Karim's literary work also defamed the country's independence, achieved through painful sacrifices of two lakh mothers and sisters who had been raped during the liberation war, and also the sacrifices of 30 lakh martyrs.
'Such heinous offences and activities are subversive to the state as well as to the discipline', the complainant added.
The issue caused a huge uproar among ruling party leaders, activists and supporters across the country. Leaders of Jubo League, the youth front of AL, from a rally in the capital on Sunday gave a 24-hour ultimatum to the government to take action against Karim.
The publisher of the book already closed its outlet at the ongoing Amar Ekushey Book Fair on Bangla Academy premises on Dhaka University Campus.
Hearing of the defamation suit will be held on March 2.
Meanwhile, Abu Karim issued a statement as the information secretary yesterday, where he denied writing anything defamatory in his book.
"The poem in the book is a metaphorical verse. I haven't written anything defamatory about Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family. Nonetheless, I beg unconditional pardon and apologies, if my poem hurt anybody," he said in the statement.
He also said he was directly involved in the country's liberation war and many of his poetry actually extol the country's independence, democracy, and Bangabandhu.
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Tuesday, February 24, 2009 11:19 AM GMT+06:00 (50 weeks ago)
A case is already in the court against him. 'Audi alterum partem' should have been followed before going for such drastic action. He could be suspended and proper investigations could be carried out. Such a hasty and drastic action? Well, let us see the Govt.maintains the principles in all cases to come. We do not expect the Govt. to be unctuous rather it should follow the correct rules and regulations. His work may be condemnable but the hasty action against him may earn sympathy also.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009 01:43 AM GMT+06:00 (50 weeks ago)
Its a shame that a person gets forced out for his literary work - where is freedom of expression. Freedom always has a price - in that it may be disgraceful or hurtful - but freedom to be viable must be accepted with all its faults.
A democracy should be where anything can be said if not in violation of the law. So many defamatory articles are written in the USA about political figures.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009 03:44 AM GMT+06:00 (50 weeks ago)
Freedom speech does not mean whatever you think you write or say there must be some code of conduct.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009 04:25 AM GMT+06:00 (50 weeks ago)
The government's action in retiring Abu Karim is not justifiable and their expressed reason for doing so is ridiculous. This is an intolerant and irresponsible attitude.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009 05:33 AM GMT+06:00 (50 weeks ago)
It is a dangerous precedence. No one should lose his job due to publishing of a book.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009 12:04 PM GMT+06:00 (50 weeks ago)
We don't expect such a big punishment for writings such a mini things as there are many more such writings in different books are available. Why not the case to be started will be continue as like many killing are still waiting for judgment, even after 37 years, 33 years, 5 years and so and so. Why this judgment is so early? Where is the judgment of my respected teachers Dr. Aftabuddin Ahmed? where are the judgments for those VIP criminals-laundered, extortion and killings? Is that BNP workers are being killed and B-AL are not being punished on political motivation ground? So when BNP will come to power they will reinstate the man like Abu karim ?Can any body answers to those questions?
Tuesday, February 24, 2009 09:22 AM GMT+06:00 (50 weeks ago)
It goes without saying that there is no freedom of speech even in a democratic country.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:11 AM GMT+06:00 (50 weeks ago)
Forced retirement is not enough.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009 10:15 AM GMT+06:00 (50 weeks ago)
Now where is our constitutional right to express opinion?
Tuesday, February 24, 2009 01:45 PM GMT+06:00 (50 weeks ago)
No country or society with a slightest regard to the rule of law or civility can take such a drastic action irrespective of whatever is written in the book. Is Bangladesh a Kingdom of the Medieval era? Is our government dictatorial with absolute power? This is a clear case of naked abuse of power. The honorable Prime Minister can show the good people of Bangladesh who elected her and the whole world that she stands for the rule of law by rescinding this totally unjust action. After all, the Secretary has offered unconditional apology and asked for pardon. Please, do that at least to show the world that our beloved Father of the Nation has given birth to a country that is proud and worthy of respect.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009 12:21 PM GMT+06:00 (50 weeks ago)
What kind of freedom of Press exists in Bangladesh. Is it democratic or autocratic government. Newly elected government had a zero tolerance. In freedom of speech, people have right to express their opinions. Whatever action is taken against Mr. Karim is wrong and unjust, he should be reinstated in his position.
It reminded me of 1975 one party rule established by Bangobandu Sk. Mujibur Rahman, closing all media/news paper except 4 run by the government. Bangladesh do not want such experiences again
Tuesday, February 24, 2009 12:36 PM GMT+06:00 (50 weeks ago)
The info secy should have known that Bangobondhu is above everything. none can criticize Bangobondhu or his family. Anybody doing so will face the same consequences.
the information secretary is not the army chief that he will get away with breaching the constitution, making political speeches while in the service of the republic!
so poets and writers - if you love your life and jobs than please refrain from criticizing Bangobondhu and his family - they are sacred - worship them only!