Legal notices on Qamrul, Mozammel challenge their staying on as ministers after breach of oath

The two Cabinet members, who the Supreme Court said have breached their oath to offices, have been served with legal notices over still holding ministerial positions.

Supreme Court lawyer Yunous Ali Akhand on Saturday sent the notices to Food Minister Qamrul Islam and Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq, convicted of contempt by the country's top court.

They have been asked to respond to it within 24 hours or else a petition will be filed with the High Court.

On Mar 27, an eight-member appeals bench led by the chief justice found the ministers guilty of contempt over their remarks on a war criminal Mir Quasem Ali's appeal hearing.

They had offered unreserved apologies but the top court convicted them.

The Appellate Division on Thursday published the full verdict, where it said they have 'violated the law and are in breach of their oath to office.'

"A minister assumes office by taking oath. Since the Appellate Division has said that are in breach of it, they cannot remain in office. The notices seek their explanations," Akhand told bdnews24.com.

Qamrul and Mozammel have 'no right' to be ministers after the top court's observation, said Supreme Court lawyer Shahdeen Malik.

Qamrul has not made any comments since the full verdict was released, but Mozammel told a discussion on Saturday what he did was 'not intentional.'