Many came to meet ministers; officials did not want to miss the chance
- With the challenges of an election boycotted by a major political party, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is engrossed in work at her office yesterday while other ministers mostly spent their first day in office being greeted by supporters and lobbyists
As new ministers, state ministers and deputy ministers entered their offices at the secretariat for the first day yesterday, officials and visitors rushed to welcome them.
A huge gathering of visitors and cars was seen inside the secretariat. There was no room to move at the offices of the new cabinet members.
Pro-government officials greeted them with flower bouquets upon their entrance. Grassroots leaders from across the country came to Dhaka to greet the new ministers. Even lawmakers loyal to the ministers and state ministers came to meet and congratulate them.
Officials in different ministries and divisions received their ministers and informed them of the details of the ongoing work and future plans. The ministers, state ministers and deputy ministers also held meetings with senior officials of the ministries concerned and offices under their ministries.
All of the new cabinet members entered the secretariat yesterday in motorcades.
The General Secretary of Awami League’s Birganj upazila, Dinajpurunit,Abu Sayeed,had come to receive Primary and Mass Education Minister Mustafizur Rahman Fizar.
While waiting outside the secretariat he told the Dhaka Tribune: “I have been waiting for a pass to enter secretariat. I will enter the secretariat to receive him.”
He was holding a flower bouquet in his hand.
Family Welfare Visitors Association (FWVA) General Secretary Ohida Khatun and Publicity Secretary Shamsur Nahar were waiting at the gate of the secretariat to enter to receive Health Minister Mohammad Nasim.
“We have come to the secretariat to give flowers to our ministers,” Shmasun Nahar said.
Nobi Newaz, lawmaker of Jhenaidah3, came to meet some ministers, including the LGRD minister.
Offices of the health minister, food minister, land minister, deputy minister for water resources, local government minister and state minister, state minister for women and children affairs, cultural affairs minister, civil aviation and tourism minister, commerce minister, primary and mass education minister were filled with visitors.
A senior official noted, however, that only the secretary along with a few officers should have received the ministers.
It was not necessary for all officers to go downstairs to receive the ministers, the official observed. Criticising the actions, the official said such officers would cause the downfall of the ministers.
“We should guide the ministers in such a way that they can perform well for the betterment of the ministry,” the senior official at the home ministry told the Dhaka Tribune while seeking anonymity.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
