Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq, who has been convicted by the Supreme Court on charges of contempt of court, yesterday said that he did not undermine the constitution intentionally. “I cannot violate the constitution intentionally. I may have violated my oath of office by my comments but those were completely unintentional,” he said while addressing a discussion at the National Press Club. Bangabandhu research council organised the programme.
Huq remarks come two days after the Supreme Court published its full verdict that convicted him and Food Minister Qamrul Islam for their remarks relating to the hearing on war crimes appeals. He also said that Ziaur Rahman, HM Ershad and Khaleda Zia tainted the 1972 constitution for about 30 years. “But, we are upholding the image and dignity of the constitution and preserved and protected it. We will continue to do so,” he added.
Huq, however, said he did not want to make any further remarks on the issue. “Let me receive the verdict's copy and discuss it with my lawyers,” he said.
Meanwhile, two separate legal notices have been served on Huq and Food Minister Qamrul Islam asking them to explain in 24 hours under what authority they are holding the post of ministers as they have violated their oath of office. Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Eunus Ali Akond yesterday sent the notices saying that Qamrul and AKM Mozammel cannot hold the post of ministers after the apex court observation that they have violated their oath.
Later, he told reporters that both the ministers have to take fresh oath if they want to hold the post of ministers. If the two ministers would not reply the notice within 24 hours, I will file a writ petition with the High Court seeking necessary directives in this regard, Akond noted.
On Thursday, the SC released the full verdict on a contempt of court case saying that ministers Quamrul and Mozammel have violated the oath of office.
"They have acted in violation of law and are in breach of their oath of office to preserve, protect and defend the constitution," said the SC on Thursday in its full judgment in the contempt of court case against the two ministers.
According to a constitutional provision, by taking oath, a minister enters his office to preserve, protect and defend the constitution.