Ashraf relieved for party work: Quader

Awami League Presidium Member Obaidul Quader says party chief Sheikh Hasina relieved General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam of LGRD ministry duties to help him devote more time to party work.
Quader, who is also the road transport and bridges minister, told journalists on Friday that Prime Minister Hasina’s move could very well be directed to this end, bdnews24.com reported.
“Maybe [prime minister] felt [Syed Ashraf] was under too much pressure. [Making him a minister without portfolio] could allow him to give more time to the party,” Quader said.
Senior Awami League leaders were silent on Thursday’s stripping of Syed Ashraf’s portfolio, a politically important ministerial post he had held since Hasina returned to power for a second time on Jan 6, 2009.
Quader mentioned that Hasina had the sole authority to decide on the Cabinet.
“Inclusion or exclusion of someone is entirely her decision.”
He added Syed Ashraf’s removal from the key ministry would have no ‘adverse’ effect on the party.