Although the locks on the Jodubaira Union Parishad in Kushtia's Kumarkhali Upazila have been removed, the chairman's office still remained sealed, preventing the chairman rooming to work and causing significant inconvenience for service oriented rural masses.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kumarkhali Police Station Solaiman Sheikh went to the Union Parishad and held a meeting with local BNP leaders over the issue on Monday evening (January 6).
Following assurances by the OC, BNP leaders unlocked the main gate and other service offices.
Normal operations were expected to resume from Tuesday.
But the sources said BNP leaders re-locked the chairman’s office on the night. As a result, the chairman could not attend his office.
OC confirmed that the meeting was attended by Jodubaira Union BNP General Secretary Nurul Islam Asad, former union unit Jubo Dal General Secretary Rabiul Islam, Ward 1 Member Anisur Rahman, and former Ward 5 Member Abdul Malek, among others.
During the meeting, BNP leaders pledged to keep the Union Parishad operational for the benefit of the mass people.
“But they (BNP leaders) did not respect their commitment,” OC said, adding that a written complaint has been submitted to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and legal action is being considered.
OC said he is now waiting for a higher authority’s directive that has already been requested.
The conflict arose after a video surfaced on social media Saturday night showing a celebration on the 77th founding anniversary of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL). .
In protest, BNP and Jatyiatabadi Chhatra Dal leaders locked the chairman’s office that night. The following day, they ousted out the Parishad secretary, village police, and service seekers from the premises and locked the main gate.
BNP leaders have demanded legal action against those involved in the Chhatra League celebration and the removal of the UP chairman Mizanur Rahman. They stated that the chairman’s office will remain locked until their demands are met.
BNP leader Nurul Islam Asad alleged that the chairman is affiliated with the Awami League and facilitated the celebration. His removal is a must here.
Union Parishad Secretary Rezaul Islam confirmed that while the office gates were unlocked, the chairman’s office remained sealed, leaving service seekers unattended.
The matter has been reported to the Upazila administration and is awaiting directives to resume operations, he said.
Locals expressed their frustration for not getting service from the Parishad.
Tarek Hossain, a resident of Enayetpur, has been trying for two days to obtain a birth certificate for his daughter’s school admission.
Yasir Arafat, a trader from Chourangi Bazaar, complained about being unable to renew his trade license.
Chairman Mizanur Rahman stated over the phone that he has avoided the office due to the unrest and has informed the administration.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) S.M. Mikail Islam reported that the written complaint has been forwarded to higher authorities and steps are being taken to resume services as early as possible.
Kushtia Deputy Commissioner (DC) Toufiqur Rahman emphasized that no service disruption will be allowed. He said necessary actions are being taken.