Three senior officials at the Sirajganj municipality have been absent for the last three days without notice, hampering administrative activities and causing suffering to people seeking various services.
Secretary Abdul Halim, Executive Engineer Abu Hena Mostofa Kamal and Chief Accountant Anisuzzaman also skipped the scheduled last meeting of municipality’s outgoing council.
Panel Mayor Ataur Rahman said he suspected the trio had fled with “confidential documents” and added that they were not showing up despite repeated requests.
People who came to register births and deaths, obtain various certificates and other services had to wait in vain. “I am yet to get a citizenship certificate even after the mayor’s approval,” said one Nahid. Like him, Jahanara Begum had to return without collecting a birth certificate.
Acting Mayor Selim Ahammed said they were trying to provide as much service as possible in the absence of the concerned officials.
He said the three officials did not inform him about going on leave. Administrative Officer Masud Rana said he did not receive any leave applications from any of them. “They did not even seek leave orally,” he claimed.
Riyad Rahman, Councillor of Ward 3, said they were looking forward to end their tenure properly. “Their absence at this time is unfortunate.”
Secretary Halim and Accountant Anisuzzaman could not be contacted. Executive Engineer Mostofa Kamal yesterday said over phone that he was in Dhaka for his brother’s treatment and claimed that his leave had been approved.
