Staff Reporter:
The government has assigned 30 ministers, state ministers and parliamentary whips to oversee the law and order situation and coordinate activities among state agencies in 64 districts.
The Cabinet Division issued a notification in this regard on Thursday, stating that they will oversee law and order, control of corruption and drug abuse, governance, transparency, accountability and development activities in the respective districts.
Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani issued the notification by order of the President, citing Article 55(2) of the Constitution and relevant provisions of the Rules of Procedure.
The notification stated that the Cabinet formed after the 13th national election had observed with “deep concern” that development funds allocated to different districts during the previous ‘fascist regime’ existed only on paper. Part of the allocations was siphoned off through widespread corruption, while the remainder was used for drugs and activities that contributed to social decline and posed threats to public and national security.
It said the Cabinet, as a whole, is accountable to Parliament and the people for the government’s activities, including development, combating corruption, maintaining law and order, establishing good governance and ensuring national security.
According to the list distributing responsibilities, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud has been assigned Rajshahi and Natore; Dr Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari and Panchagarh; Abdul Awal Mintu, Lakshmipur; Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Chuadanga; Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Habiganj; Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Moulvibazar; and Md Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee, Chattogram.
M Rashiduzzaman Millat has been assigned Sherpur, Mymensingh and Netrokona; Asadul Habib Dulu, Thakurgaon and Dinajpur; Md Asaduzzaman, Khulna, Satkhira and Bagerhat; and Zakaria Taher, Feni and Noakhali.
The other assignments are Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain Bokul, Manikganj and Munshiganj; Saching Pru, Cox’s Bazar; Md Shariful Alam, Tangail and Narsingdi; Shama Obaed Islam, Madaripur and Shariatpur; Anindya Islam Amit, Meherpur, Kushtia and Jhenaidah; and Abdul Bari, Bogura and Chapainawabganj.
Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has been assigned Dhaka; Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, Khagrachhari, Bandarban and Rangamati; Habibur Rashid, Gazipur and Narayanganj; Md Rajib Ahsan, Barguna, Patuakhali and Pirojpur; Mir Shahe Alam, Rangpur, Gaibandha and Kurigram; and Farzana Sharmin, Sirajganj and Pabna.
Sheikh Faridul Islam has been assigned Jashore, Magura and Narail; Yaser Khan Chowdhury, Jamalpur and Kishoreganj; Ahmed Sohel Manzur, Barishal, Bhola and Jhalakathi; Mohammad Shamim Kaiser, Joypurhat and Naogaon; Alhaj Md GK Gaus, Sylhet and Sunamganj; Mia Nuruddin Ahmed, Rajbari, Faridpur and Gopalganj; and ABM Ashraf Uddin (Nizan), Brahmanbaria, Cumilla and Chandpur.
The assigned lawmakers will advise relevant government agencies on maintaining law and order, including preventing drug abuse and illegal trafficking, curbing smuggling and tackling serious crimes.
They will also monitor and advise on the implementation of the government’s election manifesto, poverty reduction, employment generation, social safety net programmes and other development and public welfare activities.
The notification said the assignments would not curtail the legal powers of local government institutions or other constitutional and statutory bodies.
The lawmakers may also participate in district-level meetings when necessary and provide advice, according to the notification.
