Syed Ashraf was coolheaded while taking decisions: State Minister for Information

State Minister for Information Dr Murad Hasan said former general secretary of Awami League Syed Ashraful Islam was able to take decisions with a cool, calm head in any situation.

"Syed Ashraful Islam always remained calm and collected when taking decisions, regardless of how dire the situation was. His composure was rareamongst the politicians of our country," the state minister said during a discussion organised by Bangabandhu Academy at Tafazzal Hossain Manik Mia Hall of the National Press Club on Tuesday, on the occasion of the second death anniversary of Syed Ashraful.

Referring to the Shapla Chattar incident on 5 May 2013 when Hefazat-e-Islam plotted to oust the government, Murad Hasan said Syed Ashraful categorically told Hefazat activists to vacate the place within 10 minutes. He also announced that such events would never be allowed to take place elsewhere in the country.

Syed Ashraful shattered the blueprint designed by Hefazat-e-Islam for the fall the government, state minister added.

Dr Murad Hasan said the directives of the erstwhile general secretary of the Awami League and local government minister Syed Ashraful Islam were followed, and Hefazat activists had to leave Dhaka city the very next day.

Terming his political ideology as a guiding principle for all of us, the state minister said, "Syed Ashraful Islam has worked all his life for Awami League, for the welfare of this country. He has dedicated himself to the execution of Bangabandhu's ideology, and to cement Sheikh Hasina's leadership. He took politics as a vocation, and his name will remain forever enshrined in the pages of our history."

Bangabandhu Academy President Md Nazmul Haque presided over the discussion meeting.

Dhaka Metropolitan South Awami League President Abu Ahmed Monnafi and Advocate Balram Poddar spoke on the occasion among others.