Official transferred after comparing PM Tarique's slogan to Hadith

Mohammad Mashiur Rahman, executive director of the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), has been relieved of his duties following widespread criticism over his remarks comparing a slogan by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to a Hadith.

The Public Administration Ministry issued a notification on Tuesday (3 Nov) night, withdrawing him from his position at the DTCA and attaching him to the ministry. The notification was made public on Wednesday.

Mashiur Rahman had been serving as a secretary on a contractual basis. However, the notification did not specify the reason for his withdrawal.

On 1 November, Mashiur delivered a speech at an event on Manik Mia Avenue in the capital marking the inauguration of trial bus services on six routes under the 'One Route, One Company' initiative.

At one point, he said that if he described a slogan used by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as a Hadith, people might think he was flattering the prime minister to secure his next posting. However, he called it an eternal message.

He then referred to the slogan: "Myself first, then us; and Bangladesh before everything else."

Explaining the slogan, Mashiur said that only selfish people without patriotism could disagree with it. He added that people should put aside individual interests, stand together and prioritise the country.

He also said, "Work first, build the country; Bangladesh before everything else."

Repeating that the slogan was a Hadith and an eternal message, he remarked that it would have been considered a Hadith if religious scholars had said it. He added that it was not recognised as one because the prime minister had no beard and did not wear a cap.

His remarks subsequently went viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism.