Minister asks govt employees to desist from flattery

A senior minister has asked the government employees to desist from flattery as they were appointed to serve the people and not to campaign for the ruling party.

The minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Abdul Latif Siddique gave this piece of advice to the government employees at a programme in Dhaka’s Agargaon on Saturday.

“The Awami League is enough to campaign for Sheikh Hasina. You (government employees) don’t have to do it,” he said.

He also took serious exception to certain words written on the document given to him by the organisers of the workshop, ‘Development of National ICT Infra-Network for Bangladesh Phase-3 Project’.

Siddique said, “It says here … ‘Under the worthy leadership of Bangabandhu’s daughter Sheikh Hasina  …’”

The minister said the people of Bangladesh and not the government officials are entitled to decide how worthy the prime minister is.

He instead directed them to do their jobs for which they receive benefits.

“So, let this be a warning to flatters. Do not boast or discuss theories. Just simply do your job.”

Siddique also took a dig at the politicians saying they often change colours.

“We beg for their votes before elections, but once it is over we ask the guards to chase away the same people. We change faces and attires.”

“Don’t worry too much about wearing the Mujib coat. No one wears the Mao Tse-Tung coat in China,” he said.

The minister claimed he has dual traits.

“I don’t think twice before picking up a stick to thrash someone who stands in the way of my work. But at the same time I don’t miss an opportunity to praise those who are helpful.”