Dhaka, August 14  — In a significant move to maintain the continuity of public services, the government of Bangladesh has granted Upazila Executive Officers (UNOs) full financial and administrative powers in Upazilas where the elected chairmen and panel chairmen are absent. This directive was issued by the Local Government Department's Upazila-1 branch on Wednesday, taking immediate effect.

The decision comes amid widespread absenteeism among elected representatives, which has severely disrupted the functioning of several Upazila Parishads across the country. According to the office order, many Upazila Parishad chairmen and panel chairmen have been consistently absent from their duties, and efforts to contact them have been unsuccessful.

As a result, numerous public services and administrative activities within the Upazila Parishads have come to a standstill. To address this issue, the government has empowered the UNOs to take over the responsibilities of the absent chairmen, ensuring that public services continue without further interruption.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat, Local Government Adviser Jasan Arfi stated that legal measures are being considered against elected public representatives who have been absent for extended periods. He mentioned that the government is in the process of collecting information on the presence of district and Upazila chairmen, mayors of city corporations, and union council representatives. If necessary, alternative arrangements will be made within the next two to three days as per employment rules and laws.

“The law under which these officials were elected provides for their removal if they are consistently absent,” said Adviser Jasan Arfi. He emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring the smooth operation of public services, particularly in the wake of disruptions caused by the political turmoil.

The recent developments follow the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, during the 'Long March to Dhaka' program organized by the anti-discrimination student movement. The subsequent dissolution of the cabinet and the swearing-in of an interim government on August 8, led by Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has added to the uncertainty in the country.

The absence of many Awami League leaders, who were serving as Upazila chairmen, has exacerbated the situation. Most of these leaders have reportedly gone into hiding following the fall of the Awami League government. 

Adviser Jasan Arfi also mentioned that the government's focus is on restoring normalcy and ensuring that essential services, including health campaigns, proceed efficiently. He assured the public that the government will take all necessary steps to address the current challenges and maintain stability.

The situation remains fluid, and the government is expected to announce further measures in the coming days as it works to re-establish governance across the country.