The government has assigned ministers, state ministers, and whips of the Parliament to oversee law and order, corruption and drug control, good governance, transparency, accountability, as well as government development and public welfare activities across all 64 districts. A notification to this effect was published in an extraordinary issue of the Bangladesh Gazette, effective immediately.
This decision follows allegations of massive corruption and fund looting during the previous government's tenure. The looted money was reportedly laundered abroad or used domestically for activities that contribute to social decay and threaten public safety and state security.
The assigned ministers, state ministers, and whips will provide necessary advice to government offices on maintaining law and order in their respective districts. They will offer advice and oversight regarding the control of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, prevention of smuggling, and suppression of serious crimes.
In addition, they will be responsible for overseeing and advising on the implementation of the government's electoral manifesto, poverty alleviation, employment generation, social security programs, and other development and public welfare activities. When necessary, they may participate in various district-level meetings and provide advice.
The notification has been issued based on Chapter V, Rule 33; Chapter I, Rule 4(ii); Chapter II, Rules 16(ix)(e) and 16(xii) of the Rules of Business, as well as the judgment of the High Court Division in Writ Petition No. 3512/2003. The release said that under Article 5(2) of the Constitution, the executive authority is exercised under the authority of the Prime Minister.
This system of responsibility assignment has been introduced with the aim of establishing transparency and accountability in the government's development activities and preventing corruption. The move is expected to enhance governance and ensure that development funds are utilized effectively for the welfare of the people.
For instance, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud has been assigned to Rajshahi and Natore; Dr AZM Zahid Hossain to Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, and Panchagarh; Abdul Awal Mintoo to Lakshmipur; and Nitai Roy Chowdhury to Chuadanga. Other assignments include Khandakar Abdul Muktadir to Habiganj; Ariful Haque Choudhury to Moulvibazar; Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee to Chattogram; and M Rashiduzzaman Millat to Sherpur, Mymensingh, and Netrokona.
