PM orders renaming of 2 unions named after Mir Shahe Alam's family
On the instruction of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the names of the newly formed “Simanta” and “Diganta” unions, under Bogura’s Mokamtala upazila, are being changed following controversy over their naming.
Bogura Deputy Commissioner Toufiqur Rahman told The Daily Star that the prime minister called him this afternoon and gave the instruction.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. “The prime minister called me this afternoon. He instructed me to change the names of the two unions. Necessary steps are being taken for this,” he said.
Sources at the Prime Minister’s Office said the premier was displeased over the controversy surrounding the naming of the two unions.
“As the issue drew criticism from various quarters, the government felt its image had been tarnished. That is why the decision was made to change the names,” a PMO official said.
PMO sources said local people’s opinions, the area’s history and tradition, and its geographical identity would be given importance while choosing the new names.
Another public hearing will be held before the new names are finalised, the sources said.
Locals, public representatives, political leaders, teachers, professionals and people from different walks of life will be asked to give their opinions at the hearing. The proposed names will then be scrutinised and sent to the ministry concerned.
Once the new names are finalised, they will be published in a gazette after completion of the required administrative process, the sources said.
The move follows controversy over the naming of three newly formed unions in the constituency of State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam.
The state minister faced questions in parliament last Monday over the names, which match his family title and those of his two sons.
Rejecting the allegation, Shahe Alam told the parliament that the names had “miraculously” matched the names of his sons.
Officials said the controversy reached the highest levels of government after causing unease within the administration and drawing public attention.
Sources said the administration has now been instructed to take the necessary steps to resolve the matter swiftly.
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