Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNO) have been temporarily granted full financial and administrative powers in areas where upazila parishad chairmen and their deputies are absent, according to a new government directive. This move aims to maintain uninterrupted public services amid a growing leadership void.
The directive, issued by the Local Government Division’s Upazila-1 branch on Wednesday, took immediate effect. The order addresses the continuous absence of many upazila parishad chairmen and their deputies, which has stalled various administrative activities and public services.
“In light of the current circumstances, it has become necessary to ensure that public services do not suffer due to the absence of key officials,” the directive states, emphasizing the need for temporary measures to sustain local governance.
This situation arises in the aftermath of significant political upheaval. Following the Long March to Dhaka organized by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Sheikh Hasina resigned as prime minister on August 5, leading to the dissolution of the Cabinet and her subsequent departure from the country. An interim government was formed on August 8, with Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus appointed as the chief adviser, supported by 16 other advisers.
The political turmoil has driven many Awami League leaders and their affiliates, including numerous upazila parishad chairmen, into hiding, raising concerns about the continuity of local governance. The government’s decision to empower UNOs is a decisive step to ensure that essential services remain operational.
