A significant controversy has emerged in Pirganj, Thakurgaon, regarding the neutrality of local administration ahead of the upcoming Union Parishad elections. A video circulating on social media shows a local Member of Parliament (MP) introducing a political candidate at a religious event, while the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Golam Rabbani Sardar, is seen applauding the endorsement. This incident has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning the impartiality of government officials during the election cycle.
During the event at a Puja Mandap, the MP publicly introduced a local leader from the BNP as the party's candidate for the upcoming Union Parishad elections, urging the attendees to support and campaign for him. The presence of the UNO on the dais, and his visible support through applause, has been widely condemned as a breach of administrative conduct and election neutrality. As a government official, the UNO is expected to maintain a neutral stance, especially in the lead-up to local government elections.
Following the viral spread of the video, the UNO faced intense scrutiny. Further complicating the situation, an audio recording of a heated conversation between the UNO and a journalist surfaced, adding fuel to the fire. In his defense, Golam Rabbani Sardar claimed that he was unaware the MP would deliver a political speech or introduce a candidate when he accompanied him to the event. He characterized his applause as 'unintentional.' However, his dismissive tone in the leaked audio conversation with the journalist has drawn further public ire.
Local political leaders and civil society representatives have expressed deep concern, stating that such behavior by a high-ranking official undermines public trust in the electoral process. Abu Sayem, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) in Thakurgaon, criticized the incident, noting that such partisan behavior by the administration creates an uneven playing field and threatens the integrity of the upcoming polls.
The incident has caused a stir within the administrative circles, with citizens now calling for a formal inquiry. The role of the Election Commission and higher authorities in addressing this breach of conduct remains a point of public interest. Maintaining administrative neutrality is a constitutional mandate, and this incident has cast a long shadow over the accountability and professional ethics of the local administration in Pirganj.
