Challenging Momen's holding office as minister: HC starts hearing writ

The High Court today started hearing a writ petition that challenged the legality of AK Abdul Momen's holding the offices of foreign minister as well as member of parliament (MP) for his reported "controversial comments".

Speaking at an event in Chattogram on August 18 this year Momen had said he requested the Indian government to do whatever necessary for continuation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

"I went to India and said Sheikh Hasina's continuation must be ensured. She is our role model. If her continuation is ensured, our country will stride towards development and become a truly non-communal country," he reportedly said.

Today, the HC bench of Justice Md Mozibur Rahman Miah and Justice Kazi Md Ejarul Haque Akondo also fixed November 20 for resuming the hearing of the petition.

During hearing today, writ petitioner's lawyer Mostafizur Rahman Ahad told the HC that Abdul Momen has violated his oath and constitution by making the comment and therefore, he has become disqualified to hold the offices as minister as well as MP.

Deputy Attorney General Arobinda Kumar Roy vehemently opposed the writ petition saying that the Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen's statement has been published distortedly in the media and he cleared it to the media.

The writ petition has been filed for a publicity, he said.

The HC bench asked the DAG to place documents in support of his argument to this court by November 20.   

Md Ershad Hossain Rashed, a Supreme Court lawyer, on September 5 filed the writ petition as a public interest litigation with the HC, also praying to it to form a committee with cabinet secretary and Jatiya Sangsad secretary to enquire whether Abdul Momen is qualified to hold the offices of minister and MP for his controversial comment.