The recent comments of Food Minister Md Qamrul Islam and Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq on a war crimes convict’s appeal hearing were an embarrassment for both the government and the ruling Awami League, says a minister. Talking to reporters at his Secretariat office on the court sentence and the comments by the two ministers, Minister of Road Transport and Bridges Obaidul Quader stated that the government and leaders of the Awami League did not like the comments. “The issue is yet to be discussed in the party forum and among senior functionaries of the government,” he said. “The Chief Justice is an institution and nobody should make any comment against him,” he said.
Asked if Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had given any directive against the two ministers’ resignations following their sentencing on contempt of court, the senior minister informed that no direction had come so far. Law Minister Advocate Anisul Haque said the court sentence against the two ministers did not violate the Constitution and their oath. “I will comment after receiving a copy of the judgment,” he said. Taking to reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq said they will take further steps on the matter after receiving the full text of the judgment. “I have full confidence in the Constitution and shall act accordingly,” he said. Food Minister Md Qamrul Islam also informed that he would decide on the next step after receiving the court verdict.