Ashraf finally removed from LGRD Ministry

UNB, Dhaka: Amid the widespread speculation over his removal from the LGRD and Cooperatives Ministry following his absence in an Ecnec meeting, ruling Awami League general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam has finally been made minister without portfolio. Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain replaced Syed Ahsraf, according to a gazette notification issued by the Cabinet division on Thursday. It said Mosharraf will also perform as the Minister of the Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister as his additional charge. Exercising the power bestowed up her under rule 3(1V) of the Rules of Business 1996, the Prime Minister has redistributed the portfolios of the ministers, the notification says. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reportedly expressed her annoyance over Syed Ashraf’s absence at a meeting of Executive Committee of National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Tuesday and decided to remove him from the LGRD Ministry. Ashraf served as LGRD Minister for second term. He was first given the portfolio in 2009.