Abdul Latif Sarker, Raiganj:

Invisible conflict between Administrators and Panel Chairmen of different Union Parishads in Raiganj upazila have now reportedly caused of sufferings to the service seekers.

Many service seekers are often going back with empty hands, while many are being harassed by moving from table to table for their expected services, but no one to see the matter, they alleged.

It is to be mentioned that, after fall of Awami League government, Chairmen of eight Union Parishads out of nine backed by Awami League have gone hiding to avert legal action. Consequently, the Union Parishads lost their Chairmen. After the incident, local service seekers fell into problem, while they came to take different types of services like collecting trade license, birth and death certificate.

To resilience the public sufferings, the government through a gazette notification signed by the respective Deputy Commissioner on November 27, 2024 appointed administrators at the Union Parishads. But, the panel chairmen of the Union Parishads filed writ to the High Court seeking the charges of the posts.

In view of the writ petition, the High Court Division’s Bench-1, comprising Justice Akram Hossain Chowdhury and Justice Rashiduzzaman Raja, on December 11, 2024 suspended the duties of the administrators and sent letters to the Deputy Commissioner and UNOs to implement the directive.

But the Upazila Administration appealed against the High Court verdict. In such a situation, there is a tug of war between the panel chairmen and the administrators over the power of the Union Parishad. This has created adverse reactions among the general public, including UP members. And the general public of every Union Parishad is being deprived of proper services.

Zahurul Islam, a service seeker said, “I went to Nalka Union Parishad to collect a birth certificate for my children. But, problem was created over signing on certificate. Panel chairman declined to give signature on it saying that administrator is now authorized person for signing. Finding no way, I went to upazila headquarters to generate signature of the concerned administrator. But, I could not find him office on that day. After moving for three days, I was able to meet him. But, he refused to sign on the certificate on the pretext of writ’s verdict. I went back with empty hands. Now my question, who will sign on the certificate?.”

Like Zahurul Islam, many victims including Ashraful Islam and Rabiul Islam of the same union and Zelhaque, Rashedul Islam and Fahim Hossain of Ghurka Union expressed similar views and narrated about their experiences over gathering of death and birth certificates.

Humayun Kabir, UNO of Raiganj said, “Administrators have been appointed for the acting charges according to the high-ups decision. We however, will enhance our surveillance to alleviate sufferings of the service seekers and ensure their rights.”