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 High Court has upheld the death sentences of former police officials Pradeep Kumar Das and Liaqat Ali in the murder of retired Major Sinha Md Rashed Khan, describing Pradeep as the “mastermind” and principal planner of the killing. The 378-page verdict, delivered on 2 June, was uploaded to the Supreme Court website on 23 November.
The court observed that Pradeep was present at the scene and pressed his shoe-clad foot on Sinha’s chest and neck, ensuring his death—an allegation supported by witness testimonies and the post-mortem report. The court further noted that Liaqat Ali fired four shots at the unarmed victim in a premeditated manner, causing his death.
Stating that the trial court had correctly applied Section 302 of the Penal Code, the High Court upheld the earlier sentences: death for Pradeep and Liaqat, and life imprisonment for six others found guilty of conspiracy, aiding the crime, and sharing a common intention.
Major Sinha was shot dead at a police checkpoint in Shamlapur on 31 July 2020. The Cox’s Bazar court delivered the initial verdict on 31 January 2022. Following procedure, the death reference was sent to the High Court, while the convicts also filed appeals. With the High Court verdict now affirmed, the defence is expected to appeal to the Appellate Division once the certified copy is received.
Two people, including a van driver, were killed after a passenger bus struck a van in Chuadanga Sadar’s Alokdia Bazar on Sunday afternoon. Two others were injured, with both critically wounded victims transferred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.
The deceased were identified as Parveen Akhter, 45, of Monirampur village in Alokdia Union, and van driver Ramzan Ali, 26, who later died on the way to the hospital. The injured—Israt from Rajapur and Shabdul from Jhenaidah’s Kotchandpur—remain under treatment.
According to police, the bus was travelling from Chuadanga to Meherpur when it rammed into the van from behind at Alokdia Bazar. One of the van passengers died on the spot. Rescue teams transported the injured to Chuadanga Sadar Hospital, from where two were referred to Rajshahi due to their critical condition.
Additional Police Superintendent Mostafizur Rahman said legal procedures are underway and the bodies will be handed over to the families. The bus driver fled the scene after the accident.
Authorities in Meherpur have fined Nivalak Paints Bangladesh Ltd. Tk 200,000 for illegally producing paint. The penalty was imposed during a joint operation conducted by the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection and RAB on Sunday afternoon.
Mamunul Hasan, Assistant Director of the Consumer Rights Directorate in Meherpur, said the factory had been producing paint without proper authorization for an extended period. During the raid, officials found evidence supporting the violation and imposed the fine accordingly.
The same operation also penalized two other establishments: Shahin Traders was fined Tk 15,000 for selling oil and gas without a valid license, while New Bengal Foods was fined Tk 5,000 for producing bakery items in an unhygienic environment.
RAB-12 Meherpur Company Commander Lt. Wahiduzzaman and Food Safety Officer Riaz Mahmud were also present during the operation,
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