Bangladesh ministers Qamrul, Mozammel do not need to resign over contempt of oath, law minister says

Cabinet members Md Qamrul Islam and AKM Mozammel Huq, found guilty of contempt by the top court, do not need to step down, according to Law Minister Anisul Huq.

In its verdict, the Supreme Court observed the two ministers had breached their oath to office by their remarks on the war crimes trial, prompting several groups to demand their resignation.

"Section 66 (of the Constitution) has clearly addressed the matter of MPs' disqualifications. These are not applicable for the ministers," Anisul told the media at his office on Wednesday.

"Bangladesh's democracy is not that old. There's no penalty for breaching oath. There is no law or provision or even a convention," he added.

The law minister, however, said he wants to be 'extremely cautious' over commenting on this issue to avoid contempt.

"Five out of the eight-member bench's judges observed that they are in breach of their oath, but did not say that they stand to lose their portfolios for it," he said.

"The court said they rejected their unreserved apologies and convicted them of contempt."

Anisul added that the remaining three judges did not agree on the part of a breach of oath. "They have made it clear since the matter (of breaching oath) did not come up during the hearings."

On Mar 27, the apex court convicted Qamrul and Mozammel over their remarks made on the appeal hearing of war criminal Mir Quasem Ali, who was executed last week.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court published the full verdict, where it said, “The respondents thus neglected their sworn duty to protect the rule of law enshrined in the Constitution.

"They have acted in violation of law and are in breach of their oath of office to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution.”

Supreme Court lawyer Shahdeen Malik earlier said he thinks Qamrul and Mozammel have lost their right to be ministers after the verdict. The BNP has also called for their resignations.

A petition has been also filed with High Court by a lawyer.

Minister Mozammel said on Saturday what he did was 'not intentional' while Qamrul told a discussion on Tuesday he will 'continue to speak for those seeking justice' for 1971 war crimes.