Health Minister Nasim unhappy over ‘too many HC directives’

Health Minister Mohammed Nasim is not happy about the High Court issuing directives for the executive branch amidst the government’s displeasure over the verdict repealing the 16th amendment.

"The High Court is doing so much work! Now, I see that the government does not need to do anything. The High Court is telling everything," he said.

"From digging canal to removing a security guard - the High Court is issuing directives on everything. I saw such a rule on something that happened somewhere yesterday. A rule has been issued over Hajj pilgrims," the health minister said.

He was speaking at a programme on Bangabandhu titled 'He is Bangladesh' organised by an organisation called 'Swatirtha-Swajan' at the National Press Club on Monday.

The High Court, acting on a writ petition, issued a rule on the government to take measures in 48 hours to send the stranded Hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

Of late, many ruling party leaders and ministers are critical of the 16th amendment review verdict passed by the Supreme Court. The chief justice is at the heart of the storm of criticism.

Nasim found 'conspiracy' in the verdict. "Verdict or observation, whatever you call it - it has started. The conspiracy has many forms and routes. A fresh conspiracy has started."

He questioned the role of the court when the indemnity bill was passed providing immunity to the killers of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members on Aug 15, 1975.

Nasim is the son of former home minister M Mansur Ali, one of the four leaders killed in Dhaka Jail in Nov 4 that year.

"Where was the court at that time? No one said at that time that I am a judge. Everyone has the right to get justice. no court had the courage to say - (as a judge) I am ordering that this black law be rescinded and a trial started," Nasim said.

He also criticised BNP leader Moudud Ahmed's comment on the verdict.

"His presence warms up the Press Club. What kind of law does this person uphold? When he was the law minister in 2001, he just said Bangabandhu's trial is stalled.

"You see what kind of hypocrite he is. The Bangabandhu murder verdict was not executed in five years just baceuse of the absence of an appeal. Now, this person is making big statements about the judges."

Nasim said that removing Sheikh Hasina from power is the main objective of the conspiracy.

Among others, AL Joint Secretary General Mahbub-Ul Alam Hanif, Press Club General Secretary Farida Yasmin and Dhaka South AL General Secretary Shahe Alam Murad were present.