He served as the Communications minister from 2009 to 2012.
Former communications minister and Awami League’s former lawmaker of Madaripur-3 constituency Syed Abul has passed away. He was 72 years old. He breathed his last at United Hospital in Dhaka around 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday (25th October, 2023) morning.
Abul Hossain was elected Member of Parliament from Madaripur-3 Constituency in 1991. After that, he served as a member of parliament in the seventh, eighth, and ninth parliamentary elections.
You can also read: One Year of Padma Bridge: Transforming Lives and Boosting Development
In a condolence message, the Prime Minister, who is now in Brussels, Belgium on a three-day official visit to attend the Global Gateway Forum, extended her heartfelt sympathy to the grieving family and offered prayers for the eternal peace of the departed soul.
Politics and Business
Syed Abul Hossain was born in Madaripur district in 1951. He was a prominent figure in both politics and business. He began his political journey by winning the seat as a Member of Parliament from Madaripur-3 Constituency in the Fifth National Parliament Election for the Awami League in 1991. This was just the beginning of his long and impactful political career.
He continued to serve as a Member of Parliament in subsequent elections, including the seventh, eighth, and ninth parliamentary elections, which showcased his dedication to public service.
From 2009 to 2012, Syed Abul Hossain held the significant position of Communications Minister in the Awami League government. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of various educational institutions, leaving a lasting impact on the region’s educational landscape.
Padma Bridge Controversy
One of the most notable chapters in Syed Abul Hossain’s political career revolved around the construction of the Padma Bridge. In April 2011, the government signed a $120 million agreement with the World Bank for this ambitious infrastructure project. However, allegations of corruption soon began to circulate, casting a shadow of doubt over the bridge’s future.
By the end of the year (2011), Communications Minister Abul Hossain found himself accused of corruption, a situation that ultimately led to his resignation from the post on January 5, 2012.
Unexpected Turn of Events
In a surprising turn of events, on February 2, 2012, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) reported that no evidence of corruption was found in the appointment of the bridge contractor. ACC Chairman Mohammad Badiuzzaman stated, “We investigated and filed a case in December 2012. But after further investigation, we did not find any evidence behind the allegations.”
Despite these findings, the World Bank chose to cancel the Padma Bridge loan agreement on June 30, leaving the project’s future in uncertain. However, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took a bold and determined stance during a cabinet meeting on July 9, committing to fund the Padma Bridge project entirely with national resources.
Canada court finds no proof of Padma Bridge conspiracy
A corruption case related to the Padma Bridge was also filed in a Canadian court. After a lengthy five-year legal process, on February 10, 2017, the Canadian court delivered a verdict that shook the foundations of the allegations. They declared that no evidence supported the corruption conspiracy accusations, which had initially led to the World Bank’s loan cancellation.
Syed Abul Hossain’s Legacy
The Padma Bridge, once considered an unattainable dream, became a reality. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s determination to see the project through, despite numerous challenges and obstacles, ensured its completion.
Syed Abul Hossain’s friend, Professor Dr. Abdul Mannan Chowdhury, noted that Abul Hossain had voluntarily stepped down from the ministry to facilitate the investigations by the police and ACC. As it became evident that the allegations of fund misappropriation were baseless and driven by ulterior motives, the World Bank withdrew its commitment to finance the multilateral bridge, along with other key parties. This decision may have been a calculated move by the World Bank to hinder Sheikh Hasina’s return to power in 2014.
Despite these challenges, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visionary leadership and determination prevailed. She continued the project with her own resources, and the Padma Bridge took shape, with allegations against SNC Lavalin surfacing in Canadian courts. Ultimately, the Canadian courts found no evidence of conspiracy or fund misappropriation.
Syed Abul Hossain gradually stepped away from the political scene, he eventually managed to regain his tarnished image and social standing, leaving a complex and lasting legacy in the world of Bangladeshi politics.
