Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu has ruled out any scope of controversy over the constitutional validity of the resignation of ministers, advising those in doubt to go to court for an explanation.
Ministers handed in their resignation letters to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasia on Monday to enable her to form an all-party Cabinet to oversee the 10th parliamentary election.
“Resignation letters have been submitted to the Prime Minister in accordance with the Constitution. But the ministers will be in office and carry out their duties until the they are accepted by the President,” he said on Tuesday.
“There are two kinds of resignations,” Inu explained. One, a minister resigns from the Cabinet voluntarily by submitting his letter directly. Two, the Prime Minister may ask for resignation letters to reform the Cabinet or exclude someone.”
The posts of ministers handing in their resignation letters in response to the Prime Minister’s directive would stand vacated only after they are forwarded to the President in keeping with constitutional provisions, Inu said.
The BNP in its immediate reaction said it did not believe the exercise would solve the current crisis.
Hasina had proposed an all-party government in an address to the nation last month.
But the main opposition rejected the idea and proposed an election-time government comprising the advisors to the two past caretaker governments.
Opposition 18-party alliance has been holding street agitations, demanding a non-party government to supervise the national election.
As ‘constitutional questions’ rose after the ministers offered to resign, Law Minister Shafique Ahmed on Tuesday said it was merely a formality.
“According to the Constitution resignations become effective only after they are submitted to the President. These are not resignations at all. Just a formality,” he told reporters.
Regarding this, the Information Minister said, “The Cabinet members submitted their resignations following the Prime Minister’s call. The President will appoint as new ministers those selected by the Prime Minister from those who have resigned.”
When asked whether the submission of the letters violated the Constitution, Inu said, “As far my knowledge goes, the Constitution was not violated.”
“The issue has given rise to debates. Explanations can be sought from the court if the Constitution is thought to have been violated,” he said.
Source: Bd news24
