What Does It Take to Become a Minister in the Complex Game of Power and Politics? Talent or Flattery? Integrity or Immense Wealth?
On one hand, a young, wealthy, and politically privileged individual is always obsessed with becoming a minister.
Does he have a criminal record, with incidents such as election rivalries or even the murder of his own brother for power?
On the other hand, in the race for promotion to the rank of Secretary, the disguised character of politics, servile mentality, and moral degradation for power—these seem to be the realities right before our eyes.
In his novels State Minister and Acting Secretary, author Andalib Rashdi seeks to find answers to these questions.
Election rivalries, fratricide for power, political flattery, and bureaucratic autocracy—these are all vividly captured in his writing.
Two decades ago, he captured these dark chapters in the pages of his novels. And today, the very author himself has taken a seat to curb the misuse of power and rein in corruption!
This literary figure, known as Andalib Rashdi, is none other than Dr. Md. Abdul Momen.
In addition to his two highly popular novels, Acting Secretary and State Minister, Dr. Momen has earned his name in Bangladesh`s literary scene through over a hundred essays, novels, translations, and short stories.
Currently, this individual tasked with identifying and bringing corrupt figures to justice began his literary journey mainly out of financial necessity.
However, at the same time, he gained popularity among readers.
He sustained his life through regular writing in various newspapers and earned literary recognition.
Often, he would write under pseudonyms to ensure his earning avenues remained open.
Abdul Momen was born on December 31, 1957, in Dhaka. His father, A. F. M. Abdul Motaleb, was a government official.
He studied at Government Laboratory School, Notre Dame College, and Dhaka University.
Later, he completed his Master`s in Economics from the University of Wales in the United Kingdom. In 1996, Dr. Momen received his Ph.D. degree from the UK.
He began his career in the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) as a member of the 1982 batch and served in various important administrative positions.
These included Assistant Private Secretary to the Prime Minister, District Commissioner of Dhaka, Chairman of the BRTA, and Managing Director (MD) and CEO of Bangladesh Biman.
However, in 2009, during the then Awami League government`s tenure, Dr. Momen was made an OSD while serving as a Joint Secretary. He was later sent to forced retirement on June 6, 2013.
After losing his government job, he attempted to work in various private institutions but faced repeated obstacles.
However, he did not give up. Eventually, he used his inherent talent to turn writing into a profession and continued to earn his livelihood through his literary works.
According to his colleagues, there was an invisible discouragement or restriction on publishing his writings.
There was little he could do.
He had to find various ways to get his work published. Despite this, he managed to keep open the path of earning through writing under different pseudonyms.
In his own words:
"I never submit my writings unsolicited; I don’t write unless I get something in return. I mainly write prose, translate some works, and regarding 1971 and the Liberation War, many of my friends have probably read less than I have written about it."
According to his colleagues and acquaintances, Abdul Momen was an honest and talented individual.
In his personal life, he was accustomed to a simple lifestyle.
As one of his colleagues put it, "I have probably seen Momen Bhai wearing only two pairs of pants and two shirts for a whole decade. And they were very faded."
Instead of dining at expensive restaurants, he preferred eating at roadside tea stalls or simple eateries.
Even after losing his government job, during the tough times in his life, he remained cheerful and did not stray from the path of honesty.
After the August 5th student uprising and the formation of the interim government, he was reinstated in a senior secretary position on a contractual basis.
Later, he took on the responsibilities of two divisions in the Ministry of Home Affairs. In December, he was appointed as the Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission.
Shortly after assuming this role, several senior police officers were sent into forced retirement. In his new position, he took a strong stance against corruption, reflecting his integrity and firm character.
Andalib Rashdi, also known as Abdul Momen, is a rare talent who has established himself in both the literary and administrative worlds.
His life is a shining example of honesty, struggle, and dedication. Although he has faced political and administrative challenges at different times, he never compromised.
Like his literature, his life is a story of inspiration.
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