HC questions legality of Mosharraf holding 2 posts

The High Court yesterday questioned the legality of Mosharraf Hossain holding the posts of a minister and chairman of a profitable company simultaneously.
Mosharraf, the housing and public works minister, was also chairman of Peninsula Chittagong, which is a profitable and listed company, in violation of the constitution.
The HC, after a writ petition, issued a rule asking Hossain and the government to explain in three weeks under what authority Mosharraf is holding the office of a minister and as to why he should not be directed to leave the office.
The court also asked the registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms to submit the audit reports and documents of Peninsula Chittagong before it during hearing of the rule, Deputy Attorney General Motaher Hossain Saju told The Daily Star.
The rule and order came after hearing the petition filed on November 23 by Supreme Court lawyer ZI Khan Panna challenging the legality of Mosharraf's ministership.
The petition says Article 147 of the constitution clearly prohibits a minister and a state minister from holding any office, post or position of profit or emolument.
Mosharraf, however, resigned from the post of chairman of Peninsula Chittagong in the first week of this month.