Writ challenges holding posts by 2 ministers

A writ petition was filed challenging the legality of holding the offices of minister by Food Minister Qamrul Islam and Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq as the Supreme Court said they have violated their oath.

Eunus Ali Akond, a Supreme Court lawyer, filed the petition with the High Court seeking its direction to explain under what authorities they have been holding the post of minister as they violated their oath.

He submitted the petition saying that the SC in a judgement observed that the two ministers have violated their roles at their offices by questioning the authority of the judiciary.

Under Public Servants (dismissal on conviction) Ordinance-1985, if the government servants are fined with Tk 1,000 or more he or she will be dismissed of the services, Eunus said.

He also said that the SC earlier fined the two ministers Tk 50, 000 each for committing contempt of court and therefore they cannot hold the office of ministers.

The petitioner also said the two ministers – Qamrul and Mozammel – have also violated the oath of office as lawmakers.

After filing the writ petition, Eunus told The Daily Star that the HC may hold hearing on the writ petition tomorrow.

The SC lawyer on Saturday sent two separate legal notices to the food and liberation war affairs ministers seeking their explanation in 24 hours under what authority they are holding the post of minister as they violated their oath.

According to a constitutional provision, by taking oath, a minister enters his office to preserve, protect and defend the constitution.