Ministry of Public Administration cancels spokesperson's appointment following netizens’ uproar
Abid confirmed the cancellation on a Facebook post today (19 April)
Following criticism, the government has cancelled the appointment of Muhammad Abu Abid as the spokesperson (mass media and social media) of the Ministry of Public Administration two days after he was given the assignment.
The ministry had issued a notification on 15 April appointing Abid on a part-time basis to highlight the overall activities on social media, although such a post did not technically exist in the body's organogram.
Like other ministries of the government, the public administration ministry already has a permanent public relations officer to promote and publish relevant news.
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The appointment was immediately criticised, leading to the cancellation on 17 April.
Abid confirmed the cancellation on a Facebook post today (19 April), writing, "My spokesperson post in the Ministry of Public Administration has been cancelled. ... I had no greed for the post. I don't care if it goes away. I was created with the love and prayers of the people. I want to hold on to it until the end of my life."
The criticism stemmed from what netizens said was Abid's lack of visibility during the July movement, while others questioned who he actually supported politically.
Abid is the central joint secretary and spokesperson of the Television Reporters Association of Bangladesh and also the chairman of non-profit Durbar Tarunno Foundation.
He is also the managing editor and online head of Alokito Pratidin.
