MP Introduces BNP Candidate at Puja Mandap, UNO Claps Sparking Neutrality Concerns

A major political and administrative controversy has erupted in Thakurgaon's Pirganj after local lawmaker Jahidur Rahman introduced an upcoming Union Parishad election candidate at a Durga Puja mandap, with Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Golam Rabbani Sardar seen applauding alongside him. The BNP lawmaker from Thakurgaon-3 was visiting the festive venue and directly urged devotees and locals to vote for the declared candidate. A video of the UNO visibly clapping in support of the political declaration surfaced on social media, drawing fierce public criticism.

The incident occurred on October 19 at the Amtoli Puja Mandap in Sengon Union under Pirganj upazila. The parliamentarian was touring local puja premises accompanied by UNO Golam Rabbani Sardar and the local police station chief. During his address, the MP publicly announced a grassroots BNP leader as the party's prospective chairman candidate and requested campaign support from the attendees. As the MP concluded his political pitch, the UNO seated next to him applauded enthusiastically, an act captured on camera alongside a later heated audio exchange between the officer and a journalist.

Responding to the allegations, UNO Golam Rabbani Sardar claimed that he accompanied the lawmaker as part of his official protocol duty and was entirely unaware that political speeches or candidate announcements would take place. He maintained that the clapping was completely unintentional and spontaneous. Addressing the leaked phone conversation with a reporter, the UNO explained that he had merely spoken candidly. Nevertheless, citizens and political observers have voiced dismay over such lack of professional discretion from an executive officer.

Ahead of the upcoming local government polls, civil society groups and local politicians have expressed deep concerns over the impartiality of the field administration. Representatives from civil watchdog Citizens for Good Governance (SHUJAN) and the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) noted that such enthusiastic endorsements undermine the level playing field. They warned that if the incumbent administration remains unchanged during elections, fair competition could be compromised, calling on higher authorities to probe the matter swiftly.