Latif \\\'sacked\\\' from cabinet

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sacked Telecoms Minister Abdul Latif Siddique, under fire for his comments against Hajj, from the Cabinet, report agencies.
Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbub-ul Alam Hanif told a press conference Wednesday at the party president's Dhanmondi political office about the action, but an official announcement is yet to be made.
After his press briefing, when contacted, Cabinet Division Joint Secretary Abdul Wadud Wednesday evening said: "We are yet to receive any order regarding Abdul Latif Siddique's removal."
Hanif said: "Latif was supposed to receive an award Tuesday in Mexico for the government's outstanding performance on ICT. But the award was received by state minister for ICT Junaed Ahmed Palak. It proves the decision of his removal has been made effective."
Replying to a question whether Latif will be expelled from the party, the AL joint general secretary said the party president is now out of the country. Moreover, it is a matter for the central working committee to take decision in this regard. "I can't say anything personally about this," he added.
Facing harsh criticisms from all sides, AL Presidium member Siddique late on Tuesday told BBC Bangla that he would not resign in the face of pressure. But he would follow the Prime Minister's order.
Meanwhile, two separate courts here Wednesday summoned Abdul Latif Siddique for hurting the religious sentiment of Muslims with his derogatory comments over hajj.
Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Mizanur Rahman asked him to appear before the court and explain it in person on October 28 following a petition filed by Advocate ANM Abed Raja, former president of Dhaka Metropolitan Lawyers' Association.
Besides, Judge Mohammad Rezaul Karim of the court asked the minister to appear before it on October 30 in a case filed by Badal Miah, a cattle-hide trader and a resident of Chawkbazar in Mawartek of the capital.