Bogura, Jun 20 (V7N) – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the Bogura Deputy Commissioner to change the names of two newly created unions following widespread criticism over allegations that they were named after the family members of a state minister.
The directive was announced on Friday (June 19) night through a post on the BNP Media Cell's Facebook page.
Bogura Deputy Commissioner Taufiqur Rahman confirmed the Prime Minister's instructions, saying the administration has already begun the process of renaming the two unions.
"As per the Prime Minister's instructions, necessary steps are being taken to change the names of the two unions. The new names will be determined by considering public opinion, the area's history and heritage, and its geographical identity. A fresh public hearing will also be held," the Deputy Commissioner said.
The controversy began after the Bogura district administration issued a notification on June 11 reorganizing the administrative structure of five unions in Shibganj Upazila and eight unions in the newly established Mokamtala Upazila. Following publication of the gazette on June 14, criticism quickly spread over the names assigned to several of the new unions.
Allegations emerged that State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives and Bogura-2 MP Mir Shahe Alam had used his influence to name government administrative units after members of his own family.
According to the allegations, two newly formed unions in Mokamtala Upazila were named Simanta and Diganta, matching the names of the minister's two sons—Mir Shakrul Alam Simanta and Mir Saqlain Alam Diganta. Another newly created union in Shibganj Upazila was named Mirbari Union, reportedly after the minister's ancestral residence.
The naming sparked widespread criticism on social media and among local residents, with many arguing that public administrative units should not bear names linked to the personal identities or family members of serving public officials.
In response to the growing controversy, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman personally intervened and instructed the district administration to replace the disputed names, emphasizing the importance of good governance, transparency, and respect for public opinion.
District officials said the new names will be finalized after completing the required legal procedures and conducting another public hearing. The revised names are expected to be published in the final government gazette once the process is complete.
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