Bangladesh state minister for power removed: Govt

Anwarul Talukder announced that he had decided to resign due to ongoing protests against worsening power situation in the country.

Barely hours after the announcement by Bangladesh State Minister for power Anwarul Kabir Talukder that he was quitting, the government has said he has been removed from the cabinet.

HT Image

Talukder announced on Friday night that he had decided to resign due to ongoing protests against worsening power situation in the country.

Hours after the announcement, TV channels reported that the Prime Minister's Office has "relieved him of his responsibilities." No further details were available.

Violent demonstrations against electricity shortage were witnessed in 40 spots across Bangladesh since Wednesday leaving several hundred injured.

Demonstrations were held in some areas of the country yesterday, though Dhaka faced less blackouts compared to previous days.

Talukder told reporters at his residence in Dhaka last night that he has decided to resign and would submit his resignation letter on Saturday to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

"I have decided to resign on personal grounds," he said adding that his "conscience told him if he could not deliver he should not hold on to the post".

He took office only four months ago.

The resignation comes just weeks before Zia's five-year term in office ends with general elections scheduled for early 2007.