United News of Bangladesh

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday visited ailing Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku at Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital in the capital. The President went to the hospital around 9:30am and spent some time at Tuku’s bedside, said his Assistant Private Secretary Mohammad Yunus Ali. “The doctors briefed the President about the Energy Minister’s physical condition. He also spoke to minister’s son Abed Hasan Mahmud,” Yunus said. State Minister for Energy Aninda Islam Amit, President’s Military Secretary Major General ASM Bahauuddin, President’s personal physician Colonel AKM Faizul Haque and Assistant Private Secretary Mohammad Yunus Ali were present. Tuku was admitted to Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital around 10:30pm on Tuesday. His son Abed Hasan Mahmud said his father had been suffering from a high fever for the past few days. “Following the advice of specialist doctors, it was decided to admit him to the hospital for necessary medical tests and advanced treatment,” he said. Abed said his father is undergoing treatment under close observation by doctors.

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku on Friday warned that the government will take strict action against extortionists, regardless of their political affiliation. “No compromise will be made to anyone involved in extortion or crime, and strict action will be taken against them, no matter which party they belong to,” he said on Saturday at a views-exchange meeting at Sirajganj Deputy Commissioner’s office. Tuku said the government is committed to fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people. Highlighting the Prime Minister’s emphasis on youth participation in the cabinet, he said young leaders will now play a greater role than elders in bringing qualitative changes to the country. He urged officials to perform their duties with honesty, efficiency and dedication, stressing that people want to see results, not just words. The minister said every ministry and department has been instructed to implement a 180-day development programme. “My ministry is adopting 180 programmes. All district departments should prepare and submit their own 180-day plans,” he said. Tuku also called for quick steps to deliver on election promises, maintaining the quality of development activities, and working  collectively to create a truly development-oriented society by moving beyond traditional methods.