Shura Council chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh has resigned from a National Commission tasked with following up the recommendations of an independent report into Bahrain's unrest.

He had been chairman of the body, which was formed to ensure the findings of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) report are implemented.

Al Saleh yesterday requested His Majesty King Hamad to relieve him from his duties after complaining about "unjust" accusations targeting his honour, dignity and judgement.

In a letter, he said allegations surfaced when he reinstated four council workers sacked for their involvement in the unrest for humanitarian reasons.

"I have distanced my work as council chairman from that involving my chairmanship of the commission and have never taken a dual judgement," wrote Al Saleh.

"With unjust accusations targeting my honour and dignity, I can't go on doing my work in the commission and this is why I ask to be relieved," he added.

Al Saleh also requested a special probe committee or the Financial Audit Bureau to study his financial records from the time he was first appointed to the government more than 30 years ago in a bid to clear his name.

"The investigation should look into my membership in the 1973 Preparatory Parliamentary Committee and later on my election to parliament, appointment as Commerce Minister and then Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs Minister before being tasked with leading the council," he said in the letter.

"My accounts, that of my family and anyone I am responsible for will be open for probe and any irregularity or violation, even small, I am willing to accept the punishment that will be given to me," he added.-TradeArabia News Service