The December 4 meeting of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia with a number of government officials at her office would be “illegal” if they had discussed political matters, State Minister of the Public Administration Ministry Ismat Ara said yesterday.
According to the constitution, government official cannot be involved with any political party directly or indirectly when he/she is in service, she said.
“We are investigating the matter and legal steps will be taken if anyone is found to have violated the law. The government will not take the issue lightly as it is a matter of discipline within the service,” Ismat added.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina too has warned of taking legal steps against the public servants after investigation.
Even though the BNP has been denying having any meeting with former or current government officials, mainly the OSDs (officer on special duty), on the December 4 night, media reports say at least 20 officials led by Joint Secretary AKM Jahangir met with Khaleda at her Gulshan office. To topple the government, Khaleda allegedly asked the officials to launch a platform – similar to the one organised by the Awami League when it was in opposition in 1996.
On November 24, 2006, Khaleda’s then energy adviser Mahmudur Rahman held an alleged secret meeting with around 50 people including 15 government officials at his Uttara office of Artisan Ceramics. Later from a press conference, Mahmudur termed it a social gathering and blasted the media for violating his privacy.
In 2010, a sedition case was filed against Mahmudur and 15 other government officials in this connection. The case is now pending because of a High Court stay order.