Bangladesh
UNO’s Family Used Government Vehicle for Private Invitation: Allegations of Power Abuse
Serious allegations have been raised against Sadullapur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Kazi Mohammad Anik Islam for allegedly using government vehicles for personal and family purposes. On Saturday (June 28), a weekly holiday, the vehicle allocated for the Upazila Parishad Chairman was seen being used for a personal social visit by his family members, sparking widespread discussion and criticism across the upazila.
According to local sources, around 2:30 PM, the Upazila Parishad’s vehicle was observed parked in front of the UNO’s residence. A short while later, the UNO’s wife and mother boarded the car. Driver Samiul Islam then drove the vehicle to the front of Assistant Commissioner (Land) Jasim Uddin’s rented residence, where the Assistant Commissioner’s government vehicle was also present.
Samiul Islam, the Upazila Parishad’s driver, stated, “I took the UNO Sir’s wife and mother to Assistant Commissioner Sir’s house for a party. UNO Sir went to Rangpur for a meeting with his own car. That’s why he told me to use this car.”
Meanwhile, the UNO himself went to Rangpur with the government vehicle allocated for him. However, it could not be confirmed whether his Rangpur trip was personal or official. Repeated calls to the UNO’s official number went unanswered. Later, several calls were made to the UNO’s driver Shaheen Mia’s number at 7:00 PM. Although he answered at 7:02 PM, he remained silent for one minute and nine seconds.
A source revealed that the UNO had previously used government vehicles for personal travel to Rangpur and his hometown outside of official hours. In response to this incident of using government vehicles for personal and family purposes, conscious citizens, public representatives, and political leaders of the upazila have expressed strong anger at the UNO’s conduct. Many of them stated that improving the standard of public service and accountability is expected from an administrative officer, but his arrogance, negligence, and use of government resources for personal gain set an extreme example of irregularity. They have demanded a fair investigation and appropriate administrative action.
A senior official from the Ministry of Public Administration, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “It is strictly prohibited for any official to use a government vehicle for personal purposes other than official duties. Using a government vehicle with family members is also a serious irregularity. This amounts to a violation of the code of conduct. Strict investigation and appropriate measures are needed in these matters.”
It is worth noting that Kazi Mohammad Anik Islam, a 36th BCS cadre, has generated dissatisfaction since joining as UNO in Sadullapur, with multiple allegations circulating locally, including negligence in official duties, misbehavior with service seekers, failure to respond to calls or messages, and avoidance of responsibilities. Recently, several reports on these issues were published in local and national media, which have reignited intense discussion and criticism on social media.
Bangladesh’s Interim Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has reiterated that the 13th National Parliamentary Election will be held in February. He made the assurance on Wednesday (October 15) during an emergency meeting of the National Consensus Commission with political party representatives at the State Guest House Jamuna.
“This is not just talk — the election will be held in February, and it will be festive,” Dr. Yunus said during the meeting.
The meeting focused on the implementation process of the July Charter, a policy document developed through extensive dialogue among political parties.
Thanking party representatives, Dr. Yunus said, “The July Charter is the outcome of your long discussions. It has become part of history.” He announced that copies of the Charter would be distributed to all political parties and vowed to preserve and promote it while he remains in office.
The Chief Adviser urged political parties to apply the Charter’s principles in their political practice and daily governance.
Earlier, the Commission had distributed the final version of the July National Charter 2025 to all political parties, though recommendations on how to implement the proposed reforms are yet to be finalized.
Following the July 2025 mass uprising, the interim government was formed and established six separate reform commissions — on the constitution, electoral system, public administration, anti-corruption, police, and judiciary. The National Consensus Commission continues to consult political parties based on these commissions’ recommendations.
Crime and Justice
Woman Attempts Suicide by Setting Herself on Fire in Jhenaidah, Husband Also Burned
A woman in Jhenaidah’s Shailkupa upazila attempted suicide by setting herself on fire, leaving both her and her husband severely injured. The incident occurred around midnight on Tuesday (14 October) in Charbakhurbar village.
Police and local sources said the woman, identified as 24-year-old Mahima Khatun, poured kerosene on herself before setting it ablaze. Her husband, Ashik Mia—son of Alok Mia—sustained burns while trying to save her.
The couple was rescued by locals and taken to Shailkupa Upazila Health Complex. Later, due to their critical condition, they were transferred to the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Dr. Shahnewaz, Medical Officer at Shailkupa Health Complex, said, “Both the husband and wife suffered burns on about 50 percent of their bodies. Their condition is critical.”
At least one person was killed and ten others were injured when a passenger bus plunged into a roadside ditch in Bhanga upazila of Faridpur district on Wednesday morning.
The accident occurred around 11:30 a.m. at Purbo Sadordi area on the Faridpur-Barishal highway when a Dhaka-bound “Euro Line” bus lost control while attempting to overtake a “Shyamoli Paribahan” bus, police said.
The deceased was identified as Shamsunnahar Begum (41), wife of Nazrul Islam from Kachua village, Uzirpur upazila of Barishal.
Rescue teams from the fire service, highway police, and local residents rushed to the scene and took the injured to Bhanga Upazila Health Complex for treatment.
Bhanga Highway Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Rokibuzzaman said that during an overtaking attempt, the Euro Line bus was hit by the Shyamoli Paribahan bus, causing it to veer off the road. “Both buses have been recovered, and the Shyamoli Paribahan bus has been seized,” the OC added.
Traffic on both sides of the highway remained halted for a while following the incident but later resumed normally.
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