Govt appoints Joy PM’s adviser on ICT

The government has appointed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's son Sajeeb Ahmed Wazed, better known as Joy, her honorary part-time ICT advisor amid the BNP's criticism over his alleged salary.

The Prime Minister’s Office in a Nov 17 circular announced the 43-year old IT professional's appointment.

It was published on Thursday.

It said Joy would carry out his duties on the prime minister's orders.

Joy, who lives in the US, had been working as the Awami League chief's ICT adviser.

He has spearheaded programmes promoting the ruling party's 'Digital Bangladesh' vision.

In September, former ICT minister Abdul Latif Siddique had said Joy was not a part of the government.

He was removed from the Cabinet and later expelled from the party for his comments on Hajj in the same programme.

Quoting him, BNP leaders have claimed Joy is taking government money which is channelled abroad.

At a rally on Tuesday, party's acting Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, "The prime minister's ICT affairs adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy has taken Tk 16 million in salary every month.

"This information was leaked by a minister. Latif Siddique has been fired [for this]."

A day later, BNP's ASM Hannan Shah claimed Joy was getting paid $200,000 – a salary which even the president does not get.

"Bangladesh's money is finding its way abroad this way. Cases can be filed under the Money Laundering Act [over the matter]. It will be done in future," he said.

Iqbal Sobhan made PM's adviser

Senior journalist Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury has been named the prime minister’s part-time, honorary media adviser.

A separate Nov 17 circular from the PMO made the announcement.

Chowdhury was an advisor to Hasina during her previous term in office.

He will enjoy a few facilities, the circular said.

He will get an office with adequate manpower, government vehicle and take seats with officials with the rank and status of minister when on duty.