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Published : 09 Jul 2015, 11:07 PM
“I’ll work for the welfare of the country,” was the immediate reaction of the expatriates welfare and overseas employment minister.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina removed Syed Ashraful Islam from the LGRD ministry on Thursday, ending two days of speculations.
Khandker Mosharraf, father-in-law of Hasina’s daughter, will now oversee the LGRD ministry as an additional responsibility.
He thanked the head of government for putting him at the helm of the important ministry.
The former bureaucrat was made a minister when the Awami League returned to power in 2009.
Syed Ashraful Islam (File Photo)
“I believe I will get more opportunity than ever before to serve the people,” the 73-year old told reporters at his Faridpur residence in the evening.
Residents of his Faridpur-3 constituency greeted the news.
“He will work for the country’s development in the same way he worked for his constituency,” said Khandker Mohtesham Hossain, Faridpur Sadar Upazila Chairman.
Mosharraf said he would emphasise the ‘one house one farm’ project.
He was the first chief engineer of the Rural Works Programme and played an important role in establishing the LGED.
“I played the pioneering role during the LGRD’s establishment,” he recalled. “Now, I’ve been put in charge of this ministry. I believe I’ll be able to fully discharge my duties.”
Mosharraf said those who held important post in the party were entrusted with the LGRD ministry.
Syed Ashraf, son of Syed Nazrul Islam, acting president of the government in exile, is the Awami League’s general secretary.
About his new responsibility, Mosharraf said: “I’ll work with activists of our party for the welfare of the country and strengthen the hands of the prime minister.”
