Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman has said the government will not allow political influence, extortion or party syndicates to take root in public offices or development projects, and warned that anyone found abusing their position will face legal action.
Speaking at a meeting of the Hospital Management Committee at the Shailkupa Upazila Health Complex in Jhenaidah on Friday, the minister said members of the ruling BNP should not expect preferential treatment that could damage the government’s credibility.
“We are in government, so it is natural that our leaders and activists will have expectations,” he said. “But we will not provide any advantage that brings the government into disrepute.”
The minister said, "Any attempt to misuse political identity for personal gain would be dealt with firmly," adding that individual misconduct could undermine public confidence in the administration.
Referring to a recent incident in Barishal, Asaduzzaman stated, "A person had allegedly used political influence to force officials to sign a cheque.”
He also said that the government had taken swift legal action against the individual, describing the case as an example of its commitment to accountability.
He highlighted that party affiliation would not shield anyone from prosecution.
“Anyone who commits a crime will be treated as a criminal, regardless of their position within the party,” he added.
The minister also cautioned party members against attempting to replace what he described as past practices of corruption for personal benefit following the political transition.
“If anyone believes that because the Awami League engaged in looting they can simply take its place, they are mistaken,” he further added, urging party leaders and activists to avoid activities that could damage both the government’s reputation and that of the BNP.
Asaduzzaman again said that the administration remained committed to ensuring integrity in public institutions and would not tolerate any behaviour that tarnished the party’s image.
Alongside his remarks on governance, the minister announced plans to improve healthcare services in the area.
He mentioned, “we will expand the capacity of the 50-bed Shailkupa Upazila Health Complex as part of broader efforts to strengthen local medical facilities.”
“We are working to increase the number of beds and are taking several initiatives to improve healthcare services at the hospital,” he added.
“Our goal is to ensure better healthcare for the people of this area,” he further mentioned.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Md Noman Hossain, Superintendent of Police Mia Mohammad Ashish Bin Hasan, Civil Surgeon Dr Md Kamruzzaman, Shailkupa Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Mahfuzur Rahman, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Md Rashed Al Mamun, and officials from the local health department, BNP leaders, and representatives of social and civil society organisations.
