First the Education Minister became the talk of the town for his irrational statement for solely blaming the teachers in the wake of a series of primary education question papers leak countrywide. Once again he has come at the fore as he urged the officials of the Directorate of Inspection and Audit (DIA) to ‘limit their practice of receiving bribery’. He made the appeal while speaking at an event of laptop and certificate distribution among the DIA officials at the auditorium of Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE), popularly known as “Shikkha Bhaban” on Sunday.
Unquestionably, his call is a clear attempt to justify and also legalise corruption. On a different count, since he spoke of limiting the practice of bribery, he should have also clarified – how much is the limit of ‘acceptable’ bribe according to his understanding? Referring to the exchange of bribery everywhere, the Minister said: It is not only the officials who are thieves, but also the Ministers. I am a thief too. This is the way of the world. But it has to be changed.
This is an unprecedented incident where an important and responsible government Minister in Bangladesh has spoken in such hysterical manner. More to it, when asked to explain his speech, which went viral in different social media by Sunday evening, the Minister replied: Those who make such reports don’t understand words, meaning he has underlined and rebuked professional aptitude of journalists as well.
It’s just too difficult that the PM is not aware about all these highly deplorable speeches and remarks delivered by her party’s Ministers. This is not the first time of a ruling party Minister to have spoken ridiculously in public.
Had Bangladesh been a true democracy like many other countries in the West, the Minister would have been held accountable, asked to explain his shocking speech. A show-cause notice would have been issued or he would have been summoned by the Head of State.
Had Bangladesh been a true democracy like many other countries in the West, the Minister would have been held accountable, asked to explain his shocking speech. A show-cause notice would have been issued or he would have been summoned by the Head of State.
We not only call for the Education Minister’s official apology and resignation but also would want the government explain – how does such unethical individuals remain at the helm of such crucial government positions? The government must shoulder the responsibilities of what its Ministers say and do.
