Petition challenging Momen’s holding of minister’s office rejected

The High Court today summarily rejected a writ petition that challenged the legality of AK Abdul Momen holding the offices of foreign minister as well as member of parliament (MP) for his "controversial comments" earlier.

The HC bench of Justice Md Mozibur Rahman Miah and Justice Kazi Md Ejarul Haque Akondo passed the order saying that there is no merit in the petition.

Speaking at an event in Chattogram on August 18, Momen had said he requested the Indian government to do whatever necessary for continuation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

"I went to India and said Sheikh Hasina's continuation must be ensured. She is our role model. If her continuation is ensured, our country will stride towards development and become a truly non-communal country," the minister had reportedly said.

On September 5, Md Ershad Hossain Rashed, a Supreme Court lawyer, filed the writ petition as a public interest litigation with the HC, praying to it to form a committee with cabinet secretary and Jatiya Sangsad secretary to enquire whether Abdul Momen is qualified to hold the offices of minister and MP for his controversial comment.