PM asks State Minister Murad to resign

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday asked State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murad Hassan to resign from the cabinet for his offensive and indecent remarks on women that sparked waves of criticism.

“The prime minister has asked him to resign from his post within 24 hours and I convey the message to Murad,” said Obaidul Quader while talking to media at the night.

Quader, also roads, transport, and bridge minister and also general secretary of ruling Awami League, said, “The prime minister gave this directive while I talked with her this evening and I have conveyed the message to the state minister at 8:00 pm.”

The directives came as outrage continues to pour in over the comments Murad made during an online interview and also during a phone conversation with two film actors.

They demanded his immediate removal from the cabinet and legal action against him.

On Saturday, the state minister made some offensive comments on BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, acting chairman Tarique Rahman and his daughter Zaima Rahman.

He then got embroiled in another controversy when an audio clip of a phone call between him and actor Emon and movie actress Mahi leaked and went viral on social media.

During the conversation with the actress, Murad has heard passing abusing comments and pressing to her to come to a city hotel where he was staying.

As she was refusing, Murad threatened to haul her to the hotel by members of law enforcement and intelligence agencies. He even threatened to rape her.

Dr. Murad Hassan is a Member of Parliament from Jamalpur-4 constituency. A physician by profession, he is a central member of the Political Independence Medical Council (SWACHIP) and the Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee (Committee for Resisting Killers and Collaborators of Bangladesh Liberation War).

When the Awami League formed the government after winning the 11th parliamentary election, he was given the responsibility of the State Minister for Health and Family Welfare. Later, in May 2019, he was appointed as the Minister of State for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

NHP/AP/MMA/