The Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Faridpur’s Sadar Upazila, Al Mamun, has been ordered to be withdrawn following allegations of making a politically charged statement in favor of the Awami League. Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, Md. Mokhlesur Rahman, announced the decision during a meeting at the Faridpur District Commissioner’s conference room on Wednesday.

The controversy arose after Anisur Rahman Sajal, a representative of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, accused the UNO of stating, “Awami League will come back, today or tomorrow.” The alleged remarks were reportedly made during a conversation following a commemorative event for student movement martyrs in Sadar Upazila. Sajal raised this issue directly with the Senior Secretary, who promptly instructed the district administration to transfer Al Mamun by the end of the day. The Senior Secretary further stated that upon returning to the Ministry, he would proceed to suspend the officer.

However, Al Mamun denied the accusations, asserting that he had made no such comments about the Awami League. He described the allegations as baseless and claimed they were part of a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation.

The incident began at a memorial event organized by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Sajal, a student representative and coordinator of the movement, had delivered a speech emphasizing that “Bangladesh will not operate under any prescription from Delhi.” According to Sajal, following the event, the UNO summoned him for a conversation and allegedly conveyed his pro-Awami League stance, using suggestive gestures and indirect language.

Sajal reiterated his claims, stating that the UNO’s remarks undermined the impartiality expected of a government official. He maintained that the comments were inappropriate and demonstrated political bias, which could erode trust in local administration.

Upon hearing Sajal’s account during the meeting, the Senior Secretary expressed his disapproval and directed immediate action. Addressing the district administration, he emphasized the importance of neutrality in public service and reiterated that any display of political bias by government officials would not be tolerated.

Despite the Senior Secretary’s decisive response, Al Mamun continued to defend himself, maintaining that the allegations were fabricated. He stated, “I did not make any such remarks about the Awami League or engage in any behavior that could be construed as politically biased. This is a purposeful attempt to discredit me.”

The swift action taken by the Senior Secretary reflects the government’s stance on maintaining administrative neutrality. The Ministry of Public Administration has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that government officials adhere to principles of fairness and impartiality, particularly in politically sensitive environments.

The incident has sparked mixed reactions among local residents and political observers. Some have praised the Senior Secretary’s prompt response, viewing it as a necessary step to uphold administrative integrity. Others have questioned whether the allegations were thoroughly investigated before the decision to withdraw the UNO was made.

Sajal, representing the student movement, argued that the withdrawal was justified, claiming that the UNO’s comments were symptomatic of a broader issue of political interference within the administrative machinery. He added that public officials should be held to higher standards of accountability and impartiality.

Meanwhile, local residents expressed concerns about the potential impact of the controversy on governance in the area. Many highlighted the need for constructive dialogue and transparent investigations to address such issues effectively.

The withdrawal of Al Mamun marks a significant moment in the ongoing discourse about political neutrality in Bangladesh’s civil service. While the incident has brought attention to the expectations placed on government officials, it also underscores the challenges of navigating politically charged environments.

The Ministry of Public Administration has yet to announce a replacement for the UNO in Sadar Upazila. Observers are watching closely to see how the situation develops and whether the allegations against Al Mamun lead to further disciplinary actions or an exoneration.

As the dust settles, the incident serves as a reminder of the critical role that impartiality and accountability play in fostering trust between government officials and the communities they serve. Whether the allegations against Al Mamun are ultimately substantiated or not, the case highlights the importance of ensuring that public servants maintain their commitment to neutrality, even in the face of political pressures.