BANGLADESH

Emboldened by a clean chit in the cash scam, former railway minister Suranjit Sengupta said on Wednesday he is 'returning to politics'.

Days after the scandal involving his personal aide surfaced, he stepped aside saying it was taking 'a break of journey'.

Speaking at a press conference at his Jigatola residence, Suranjit, now a minister without portfolio, said: "I am innocent. It is now clear through an independent and proper investigation.

"I will return to politics, will take the responsibility of serving the people."

When asked whether he was going to take back the post of the minister he lost because of the cash scam, he said the prime minister will decide that.

"This is an issue of the government," he said.

It was his third news conference after his Assistant Personal Secretary (APS) Omar Faruq Talukder was detained by the border guards on Apr 10 with Tk 7 million in cash in the car carrying Faruq and two top railway officials.

He announced his resignation at a media call at the Rail Bhaban on Apr 16, taking 'full responsibility' for the cash scandal. He said he would return once he was cleared by investigation.

A day later, a government press note said Suranjit was made a minister without portfolio.

The Railway Ministry in a report to the Secretary on May 13 said no evidence that suggested Suranjit was involved in the cash scandal was found.