Balaganj Correspondent:
Fifteen to sixteen officials were absent on Independence Day in Balaganj Upazila, Sylhet. Despite various programs organized by the Upazila Administration, including wreath-laying, flag hoisting, parades, honoring freedom fighters and families of martyred war heroes, and discussion meetings, reports indicate the absence of sixteen officials from different departments.
During the parade event, student scouts from various schools were kept standing in the scorching sun for over an hour. As a result, one student fell ill, and several others reportedly had to break their Ramadan fast.
According to reliable sources, officials absent on Independence and National Day included the Upazila Sub-Registrar, managers of Sonali Bank, Krishi Bank, and Agrani Bank, the Upazila Food Controller, the Small Farmers Foundation Officer, the Balaganj Government College representative, the Women Affairs Officer, the Family Planning Officer, the Election Officer, the Accounts Officer, the Upazila Engineer, the Youth Development Officer, the Statistics Officer, the BRDB Officer, the Primary Education Officer, and the Resource Center Instructor.
As per the Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 2019, no government employee may remain absent from work without prior permission from the authority. Furthermore, government employees must not delay arriving at the office without valid reasons.
Members of civil society have expressed strong dissatisfaction with such behavior by government officials. They remarked, “After securing government jobs, they seem to consider themselves above accountability. If we were still under colonial rule, they wouldn’t even hold such positions. Those who don’t participate in national events should be brought to justice promptly.”
Regarding this issue, Balaganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sujit Kumar Chanda said, “Some officials have taken leave. Those with additional responsibilities were attending programs elsewhere. I will investigate the absences during the national event and inform the higher authorities about the matter.”
