No plan to appoint administrators to UZPs, municipalities

CHAPAINAWABGANJ, March 25(BSS): State Minister for LGRD and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam has stated that the government has no plans to appoint administrators to upazila parishads (UZPs) and municipalities.
The state minister made the remarks while inspecting a construction project in Shahjahanpur union of Chapainawabganj sadar upazila.
Talking to journalists at the bridge site, Mir Shahe Alam clarified the government's stance on local governance, saying the ministry intends to move away from the current interim management of certain local bodies by Additional Deputy Commissioners (ADCs) and Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs).
He emphasised the government's commitment to democratic representation, stating that elections will be organiaed as early as possible to ensure that local government institutions are run by representatives chosen through public voting.
The state minister's visit to the district followed recent reports in mainstream and social media highlighting the lack of a functional approach road for a newly constructed bridge, which was built at a cost of approximately Tk 80 million.
During his visit to the site, Mir Shahe Alam reviewed various technical aspects of the construction work and engaged in discussions with relevant engineers and stakeholders to identify the causes of the project's deficiencies.
Regarding the controversy surrounding the bridge, the state minister announced that a 7-member investigation committee has been formed to thoroughly examine the allegations and technical failures.
He issued a strict mandate to the committee and the concerned contractors to ensure the bridge and its connecting road are made fully suitable for public movement within a 15-day deadline.
Mir Shahe Alam expressed optimism that the issue would be resolved within the stipulated timeframe, adding that necessary administrative actions would be taken based on the committee's findings.
The state minister was accompanied by Nurul Islam Bulbul, MP (Chapainawabganj Sadar-3), Mahfuzur Rahman Riton, administrator of Rajshahi District Council, Harunur Rashid Harun, administrator of Chapainawabganj District Council and Aminul Islam, former MP (Chapainawabganj-2).