Khagrachhari, July 9 (V7N) - Ms. Shefalika Tripura, a current member of the Khagrachhari Hill District Council (KHDC), has been appointed as the acting chairman following an official notification issued by the Ministry of Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs on Tuesday. The appointment comes under Section 14 of the Khagrachhari Hill District Council Act, 1989, and will remain in effect until further notice.

The directive, issued through memorandum number 29.00.0000.214.99.086.24-46 from the Ministry’s Council-1 branch, grants Ms. Tripura the authority to act as chairman in place of Ms. Zironah Tripura, who has been temporarily removed from all council duties pending the outcome of an active investigation.

Copies of the appointment order have been circulated to the Cabinet Secretary, Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, and other relevant administrative authorities.

The decision to suspend Ms. Zironah Tripura from council responsibilities was made on Monday, based on a collective complaint lodged by 14 elected council members. The allegations include serious administrative misconduct such as marginalization of council members, misbehavior with departmental officials, nepotism, bribery in teacher transfers, and irregularities in bill approvals.

According to the notification, Ms. Zironah Tripura has been instructed to refrain from participating in any council activities until the investigation is completed. Relevant documentation has also been forwarded to the District Administration, Police, Chief Executive Officer, and the advisory office.

Ms. Zironah Tripura was appointed as chairman of the KHDC on November 7, 2024, through an official gazette issued by the Ministry of Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs. However, since taking office, she has faced growing criticism from various quarters, particularly over accusations of authoritarianism and favoritism in administrative decisions.

The interim appointment of Ms. Shefalika Tripura is viewed by many as a corrective step toward restoring functional governance and transparency within the district council. Stakeholders hope that the ongoing investigation will ensure accountability and uphold public trust in the local administration.

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