Food Minister Quamrul Islam has tendered unconditional apology to the Supreme Court for his remarks on Chief Justice SK Sinha.
Quamrul's lawyer Syed Mamum Mahabub submitted the petition with the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on Monday afternoon.
The lawyer told the journalists that the minister has tendered unconditional apology and sought a week's time to appear before the court as he is out of the country on a government trip.
In the petition, the minister said he holds respect for the highest court of the country, the chief justice and all the other justices.
On March 8, the nine-member full bench headed by Chief Justice SK Sinha issued a contempt rule against Food Minister Quamrul Islam and Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque following their recent remarks on the chief justice.
The court asked them to explain by March 14 as to why contempt rule should not be brought against them. They were also asked to appear before the court on March 15.
Quamrul on March 5 said Jamaat leader Mir Quasem’s appeal should be reheard by a new Appellate Division bench excluding the CJ.
Justice Sinha criticised the tribunal’s prosecution and investigators for failing to prove four charges against Quasem. He also flayed government for not filing a case against Quasem for appointing lobbyists against the war crimes trial process.
Quamrul, state minister for law when the tribunal was formed, thinks Justice Sinha’s remarks questioned his intention.
