Ministers, Whips assigned to oversee govt activities in all districts

In a major step, the government has assigned ministers, state ministers and parliamentary whips to oversee and coordinate overall government activities across all 64 districts, with a particular focus on law and order, corruption control, drug trafficking, good governance, transparency, accountability, and the proper implementation of development and public welfare programmes.

Cabinet Division on Thursday issued a gazette notification in this regard in implementing a Cabinet decision of the government formed following 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS) election.

According to the notification, the government has expressed deep concerns over widespread corruption and alleged looting of development funds during the previous “fascist regime.” It said that while development allocations were shown on paper, large amounts were allegedly embezzled, with part of the money reportedly laundered abroad and another portion allegedly used for offensive activities�"including drug-related operations�"that pose threats to social stability, public safety and the national security.

The government said it is collectively accountable to the running JS and the people of Bangladesh for development, corruption control, law and order, good governance and national security. Ensuring sustainable development, transparency, accountability and the elimination of corruption has been identified as a priority. 

Now, the notification cited Article 55(2) of the Constitution and the Rules of Business, stating that the Prime Minister may exercise executive authority and permit necessary deviations from the Rules where requires. It also referred to a High Court judgment in Writ Petition No. 3512 of 2003, under which such distribution of responsibilities falls within the government's authority, without curtailing the legal powers of local government entities, or other constitutional and statutory bodies.

Under the new allocation, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud has been assigned Rajshahi and Natore; Abu Jafar Md Zahid Hossain�"Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari and Panchagarh; Abdul Awal Mintoo�"Lakshmipur; Nitai Roy Chowdhury�"Chuadanga; and Khondkar Abdul Muktadir�"Habiganj. 

Ariful Haque Chowdhury will oversee Moulvibazar; Md Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie�"Chattogram; M Rashiduzzaman Millat�"Sherpur, Mymensingh and Netrakona; Asadul Habib Dulu�"Thakurgaon and Dinajpur; and Md Asaduzzaman�"Khulna, Satkhira and Bagerhat.

Zakaria Taher has been assigned Feni and Noakhali; Sardar Sakhawat Hossain Bakul�"Manikganj and Munshiganj; Saching Pru�"Cox’s Bazar; Md Shariful Alam�"Tangail and Narsingdi; Shama Obaed Islam�"Madaripur and Shariatpur; Anindya Islam Amit�"Meherpur, Kushtia and Jhenaidah; Abdul Bari�"Bogura and Chapainawabganj; and Sultan Salauddin�"Dhaka district.