BNP demands resignation of convicted ministers Qamrul, Mozammel

The BNP has demanded immediate resignation of Cabinet ministers Qamrul Islam and Mozammel Huq after the Supreme Court observed that they had breached oath through contemptuous remarks.

Standing Committee Member Moudud Ahmed raised the demand at a programme on Monday while a writ petition was filed challenging the ministers holding office.
 
Former minister Moudud said, "The BNP thinks the two ministers will resign from the Cabinet and Parliament without any hesitation in order to safeguard the Supreme Court's dignity and image."
 
The Supreme Court fined Food Minister Qamrul and Liberation War Affairs Minister Mozammel six months ago for contempt of court by remarking on war crimes trial.
 
In the recently published full verdict, the court said they breached the oath they took to uphold the Constitution.
 
They have been continuing as ministers though several groups demanded that they step down. They also attended a Cabinet meeting on Monday.
 
Moudud, also a Supreme Court lawyer, demanded cancellation of all the orders they have signed since the verdict was pronounced on Mar 27.
 
"Otherwise, it will have a negative, long-term impact on the running of state affairs in a democratic system," he said.

'Frustrated' at no official reaction from the government to the Supreme Court verdict, Moudud said the situation has created a 'constitutional crisis'.
 
He referred to laws and examples of ministers stepping down under similar circumstances in other countries to support his demand.
 
"It's not a legal matter only. The issue of ethics is also involved here," he pointed out.
 
Asked what the law would have to say if the two ministers do not step down, the former law minister said, "It's a Supreme Court verdict. Let's see what the Supreme Court does."