In a dramatic move, the government yesterday made Suranjit Sengupta a minister without portfolio, just a day after he stepped down as railway minister amid the railwaygate scandal.The government issued a handout in this regard yesterday but it neither said anything about Suranjit's announcement of resignation nor rejected media reports that he had been made to quit.
"With the authority vested in her under article 3 (IV) of the Rules of Business 1996, the prime minister has appointed Suranjit Sengupta as minister without portfolio, relieving him of the charge of the railway ministry," said a Press Information Department handout last night.
A minister without portfolio holds charge of no ministry but enjoys all facilities of a minister, and can be given a portfolio whenever the prime minister wants.
Contacted by The Daily Star, Communications Minister Obaidul Quader explained the government's change of heart in such a short time.
"He [Suranjit] was neither accused nor found guilty in the cash recovery incident. He was relieved of his charge by the prime minister to ensure a fair and transparent investigation. There is nothing wrong in it," he told The Daily Star last night.