The government will not accept any blame for activities by individuals who use party affiliation to engage in extortion, Law Minister Asaduzzaman said on Friday.
He said anyone involved in extortion by using the party’s name acts for personal gain, but the government will not bear the reputational damage caused by such misconduct.
“If an extortionist uses party identity and goes to a hospital or any institution to demand money, it may serve that individual’s personal interest. But the government will not take the stain created by such activities,” the minister said.
He made the remarks while addressing a meeting of the Hospital Management Committee at Shailkupa Upazila Health Complex in Jhenaidah on Friday morning.
The minister said the government does not want any party-backed syndicates operating in government offices or development projects.
“We are in power, and naturally our leaders and activists may get some opportunities. But we will not provide any opportunity that damages the government’s reputation,” he said.
Referring to a recent incident in Barishal, Asaduzzaman said a person had allegedly attempted to force someone to sign a cheque by using a party identity. He said the individual was brought under legal action without delay.
“Regardless of how senior a leader he is, a criminal’s identity is that of a criminal,” he said.
The minister warned party activists against assuming they could take advantage of allegations of corruption against the previous government.
“If someone thinks the Awami League looted and that they can now occupy that space, they are living in a false belief. We will not allow any party leader or activist to engage in activities that tarnish the party’s image,” he said.
Speaking about the development of Shailkupa Upazila Health Complex, the minister said efforts were underway to increase the hospital’s capacity from its current 50 beds.
The meeting was attended by Jhenaidah Deputy Commissioner Md Noman Hossain, Superintendent of Police Mia Mohammad Ashish Bin Hasan, Civil Surgeon Md Kamruzzaman, Shailkupa Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Mahfuzur Rahman and Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Md Rashed Al Mamun, among others.
