A section of BNP lawmakers has expressed disappointment over the controversy surrounding State Minister for LGRD Mir Shahe Alam, saying it has created discomfort within the ruling party and risks damaging the government’s image.
Three ministers and two state ministers said that nearly four months into the government’s tenure, this was the first time they had felt embarrassed by allegations involving someone holding such a high office.
Speaking to this correspondent yesterday, 13 ruling party MPs, three ministers, two state ministers, and six BNP Standing Committee members said the issue had given the opposition an opportunity to criticise the government.
The controversy emerged after Shahe Alam faced questions in parliament over the naming of three newly formed unions in his constituency, whose names match his family title and those of his two sons.
Rejecting the allegations in parliament on Monday, the state minister said the names had “miraculously” matched the names of his sons.
All cabinet members, MPs, and senior party leaders quoted in this report declined to be named, saying the matter involved a sitting state minister who had “close ties with the prime minister”.
According to three ministers, the controversy had become difficult for the government to ignore and had drawn concern within the cabinet.
A minister from Chattogram division, speaking anonymously, said, “When our prime minister refuses to rename an institution after his own mother, ministers should be more cautious about anything that appears personal. Shahe Alam should explain it properly instead of speaking mockingly in a parliament session.”
“He belongs to an important ministry where our party’s second-in-command [BNP Secretary General and LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir] is involved.
“His every act is linked to all ministers and the government. Not only the people, but also our own cabinet members are not satisfied with his explanation over the naming.”
A minister from a northern district said, “Everyone loves their own area and wants development work so that people feel the government is doing something. But what benefit do people get from naming a union? Despite the prime minister creating a good image, this type of controversy can have a negative impact on the government.”
Another minister from Dhaka division said, “Even if we accept that the names matched miraculously or by coincidence, my question is why he did not stop it before finalising the names. Why should we give the opposition such an opportunity?”
Asked whether the issue had reached the highest level, the minister said, “The prime minister knows about this issue. It is now a matter for the prime minister how to deal with it. We have nothing to say or advise in this regard.”
According to lawmakers, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has repeatedly instructed party members in internal meetings not to engage in activities that could undermine public trust in either the government or the party.
They said Shahe Alam’s actions appeared inconsistent with those directives.
During a break in the parliament session yesterday, an MP requesting anonymity said lawmakers were frustrated by the state minister’s conduct.
“All of us MPs are annoyed by his activities. The explanations he gives are weak and put us in an uncomfortable position. He is doing things as he wishes. He is taking all projects to his own constituency, and this is not right.”
“Perhaps someone is backing him, and that is why he is carrying out such controversial activities. We also cannot say much because we are not in that position,” the lawmaker added.
Another MP from Chattogram division said, “A group of MPs discussed the matter during a parliament break. At a time when the prime minister is trying to build a new image, such actions by a state minister are truly disappointing.”
A ruling party MP from the north said, “Even we face questions from our grassroots leaders. The state minister behaves as if his actions do not bother anyone.”
Another MP from the south-west said the government should take action; otherwise, others might follow suit and set a bad precedent.
The controversy has also reached the BNP Standing Committee, according to four members who spoke on condition of anonymity.
One member said the leadership was aware of the unease created by the issue.
“We came to power through an election after a long 17-year struggle. Many persecuted BNP leaders did not get the opportunity to be part of the government. But if someone gets that opportunity and then puts both the government and the party’s image at risk, it cannot be accepted.”
Another standing committee member said, “Recently, several reports have been published in newspapers about him, saying that his own constituency received the highest allocation. Even one of his children got the contract for that work. People are seeing these things and blaming the government and the BNP. Now it remains to be seen what action the prime minister takes.”
This correspondent last night tried to reach Shahe Alam for comment by phone and sent him a text message, but he did not respond.
Party sources said Shahe Alam became MP from Bogura-2 after the BNP reversed its decision to leave the seat for Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna. The party had earlier announced it would not field a candidate there. Shahe Alam later secured the nomination, won the seat, and was appointed state minister.
