Refusal to be Minister
Proposal not made duly: Menon
Workers Party of Bangladesh President Rashed Khan Menon yesterday said he rejected the government's offer to be a minister, as the proposal was not made maintaining a due political process.
“This was never part of a political process, and that has also been reflected in the Prime Minister's remarks,” he told journalists at a meet the reporters programme organised by the Dhaka Reporters Unity at its auditorium in the capital, reports ATN Bangla.
Menon's remarks came a day after the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday expanded the cabinet by including seven new members.
Veteran Awami League leader Tofail Ahmed and Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon refused the offer.
Menon said, “The cabinet secretary called me and informed that I was offered to be a minister and asked if I would join the council of ministers and take oath."
"I have no knowledge if anyone becomes a minister in a civilised country after being invited in such a manner,” he added.
Menon alleged that the government is not engaging the partners of the 14-party grand alliance in the decision-making process, and that the alliance has been inactive, which resulted in a centralised governance.
“Interestingly enough, the advisory council is more important than the cabinet in running the country,” said Menon of Workers Party, a key ally of the grand alliance.
He, however, said the relations between the alliance and the Workers Party would not be affected even he did not accept the offer of being a minister.
The prices of essentials are beyond the common peoples' buying ability, while in the name of addressing power crisis, the government encouraged quick rental power plants, whose objective was to serve personal interests, he noted.
There are dangers ahead if the government fails to address the crises that have gripped the nation, Menon said.
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