The government has suspended three elected representatives — a chairman and two Union Council members — for their alleged irregularities in distributing relief materials to the poor, and people in distress due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The Local Government Division (LGD) issued a gazette notification in this regard on Sunday.
The suspended UP chairman is Nurul Afsar representing Mirzapur Union Parishad under Hathazari upazila of Chittagong. He was accused of his alleged role in irregularities in the government's relief distribution to the poor in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
Previously, Hathazari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ruhul Amin investigated the allegations and found the UP chairman was involved with irregularities in distributing relief goods.
Later, Chittagong Deputy Commissioner Elius Hossain recommended removing the UP Chairman from his post as per the Chittagong Local Government (Union Parishad) Act, 2009.
In a similar incident, Shahin Shah, member of Sukash Union Parishad in Singra upazila of Natore has been suspended due to his role in unscrupulous selling of rice.
The government launched a special open market sale (OMS) of rice at Tk10 per kg in all cities and district towns from April 5 to ensure food for the poor amid the countrywide shutdown.
Kabir Hossain, member of Pirozpur Union Parishad in Sonargaon upazila of Narayanganj district has also been suspended due to his dishonesty in relief distribution.
Earlier on Saturday, the government issued an order instructing the authorities to file criminal cases against public representatives and government officials involved in irregularities and corruption with regard to distribution of relief materials to low income groups.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (LGRD) has also asked the chairman and the members to respond within 10 days with an explanation as to why they should not be removed permanently from their respective posts over the allegations.
