PRIME Minister Sheikh Hasina has removed Awami League general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam from the post of the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (LGRD) at a time when most people believe the removal of many scandalous ministers from the Cabinet was long overdue. They are an open embarrassment to the government. Syed Ashraf will however continue as the party secretary general and a Minister without portfolio. In fact, speculation was in the air for his removal for the last few days. But many people inside and outside the government had hoped the Prime Minister would start first with at least two Ministers whose removal is demanded by all quarters for publicly disclosed scandals.At the same it is also known that removal of a minister on grounds of corruption or political ethics will be risky for the Prime Minister. She is surrounded by corrupt ones who are powerful in the party. The Food Minister has reportedly swindled most of Tk 400 crore for buying rotten wheat; but nobody is asking where the money has gone. If the wheat were not bought knowingly to be rotten then the minister would have been in a strong position to ask the seller to take back the wheat and return the money. But nobody is raising that legitimate question. We are discussing whether wheat is to be distributed among the people or anybody can be forced to accept such poisonous wheat. We want the money back that is spent on the bad deal.Another minister is not resigning although he has been found guilty of corruption on the plea that his appeal is still pending. Where democracy is at work and a people’s government functions a minister resigns as soon as a corruption case begins. He is not kept in government to influence the corruption proceedings. In our country big names are linked to all big corruption scandals and still remaining in the government.Khandker Mosharraf Hossain, the incumbent Minister for Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment has replaced Syed Ashraf in the LGRD, in addition to his present job. He is a close relation of the Prime Minister that is enough for his ability to take care of two ministries. But to many Khandker Mosharraf, though an amiable person, his appointment to the LGRD appears to be a very poor choice.In fact, efficiency has ceased to be important for the ministers to run the ministries. The retired bureaucrats as Advisers to the Prime Minister are the real force and wisdom behind the government. So it does not matter much who is a minister.We are not sure if Syed Ashraf is too unhappy over his dismissal. He gave the impression of being too unhappy and frustrated as minister not knowing who is doing what and who is dictating what. It is quite possible that he will decide to give up his position as minister without portfolio. He has at least a sense of dignity.
