In a rejoinder the cabinet secretary said he never violated any of the provisions of the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules 1979 or any provision of the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules 1985.

"I was never been involved in politics (Even now I am not in any sort of politics). I never uttered any single word of politics anywhere during my official or private visit," the rejoinder said.

Abdul Halim said he visited his ancestral village in Jamalpur several times during last few months to extend possible help to the people as he has some emotional attachment for the people.

"This has of course been done absolutely on my official capacity within the ambit of existing rules and regulations," he said.

Our reply:
Cabinet Secretary ASM Abdul Halim visited his ancestral home in Jamalpur several times in last few months and addressed different social gatherings.

A section of leaders and workers of local BNP participated in the programmes while some other BNP leaders backed by the local lawmaker opposed the meetings.

Although the cabinet secretary said the visits were out of an emotional attachment to his home district, local BNP lawmaker Sultan Mohammad Babu termed it a 'political move' to contest in the next election and he also lodged complaint to the prime minister in this regard.

Moreover, the High Court issued a rule nisi upon the cabinet secretary recently when a writ petition was filed on his reported political activities.

We stand by our report.