Dhaka: Eleven opposition lawmakers have filed a writ petition with the High Court (HC) challenging the government's decision to assign ministers, state ministers, and whips to oversee and coordinate government activities in all 64 districts. The writ was filed with the relevant branch on Sunday, as stated by the petitioners' lawyer, Mohammad Shishir Manir.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the petitioners are Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami MPs Muhammad Nazibur Rahman (Pabna-1), Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem (Dhaka-14), Md Golam Rabbani (Rangpur-5), Md Nurul Islam (Chapainawabganj-3), Md Masud Parves (Chuadanga-1), Muhammad Azizur Rahman (Jashore-1), Shaikh Monzurul Haque Rahad (Bagerhat-2), Md Shafiqul Islam (Patuakhali-2), Md Rashedul Islam Rashed (Sherpur-1), Salah Uddin (Gazipur-4), and Mohammad Zahirul Islam (Chattogram-16). Shishir Manir highlighted a similar decision taken in 2001 to distribute district-level responsibilities among ministers, state ministers, and whips, which was later declared unconstitutional by the High Court after being challenged.
The lawyer pointed out that, based on the Rules of Business, the Constitution of Bangladesh, and higher court judgments, such a decision is beyond legal authority and unlawful. The government's recent move was formalized through a gazette notification on August 27, which assigned 30 ministers, state ministers, and whips with district-wise responsibilities to oversee and coordinate various government activities.
According to the notification, these officials are tasked with supervising and coordinating district-level activities related to law and order, prevention of corruption and drug abuse, good governance, transparency, and accountability, as well as development and public welfare programs. The government justified this decision amid concerns over alleged misuse of development allocations in various districts through widespread corruption.
The government expressed concerns that proceeds from such activities have allegedly been siphoned abroad or used for activities linked to drug abuse, social degradation, and threats to public and state security. The district-wise assignments aim to strengthen supervision and coordination of government activities and ensure greater transparency, accountability, and proper implementation of development programs.