Ministers and state ministers are likely to hand in their resignation letters from Sunday, while some will submit after Monday’s cabinet meeting, confirmed several senior ministers on Wednesday.
Most of the members of the cabinet have already prepared their resignation letters for submission, following a letter issued by the ruling Awami League on Tuesday.
They may hand in undated letters, which would be effective any time after November 20 for the polls-time “all-party” interim government to be formed and assume office.
Officials at several ministries confirmed to the Dhaka Tribune that most of the ministers received a letter from the ruling party on Tuesday, asking them to hand in their resignations within seven days.
According to the letter, the ministers have until November 11 to submit their resignation letters.
Meanwhile, a source at the local government ministry claimed that State Minister and Awami League Joint-General Secretary, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, submitted his resignation letter to the PM on Wednesday. Nanak, however, could not be reached when contacted over the phone.
In the meantime, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Abdul Latif Biswas told the Dhaka Tribune that he may submit his resignation letter Sunday in line with the PM’s directive.
He said he has already prepared the letter according to a draft sent by Jute and Textiles Minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui on Tuesday.
Water Resources Minister Search Results Ramesh Chandra Sen said he was ready to resign any time and may submit his letter to the PM after attending Monday’s cabinet meeting.
He said, however: “Even though the resignation letters were submitted by next Monday, they will be effective any time after November 20 once the polls-time government is formed. The present cabinet will continue to carry out its duty until the polls-time government takes over.”
Most of the ministers would submit their resignation letters by Monday after attending the meeting, he said.
Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan said he was prepared to resign anytime to pave the way for the polls-time government.
He confirmed receiving the letter from Awami League as well.
Food Minister Abdur Razzaque also confirmed receiving the instructions and a draft resignation letter sent by Jute and Textiles Minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui.
Earlier, on Tuesday, Communication Minister Obaidul Quader also told the media that his resignation letter was ready and he would hand it in at any moment.
Meanwhile, several ministry officials seeking anonymity said the polls-time government was likely to be formed any time between November 20 and 25.