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Rangpur, April 29, 2025: Sheikh Abu Bakar Siddique, chairman of Damodarpur Union Parishad in Badarganj Upazila, Rangpur, has been temporarily suspended for allegedly issuing a birth registration certificate to a Rohingya woman named Umme Kalima. The Local Government Division confirmed the suspension, citing a violation of the Local Government (Union Parishad) Act, 2009.
On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, Mahmudul Hasan, Assistant Commissioner of the Local Government Branch at the Rangpur Deputy Commissioner’s Office, verified the suspension. The Local Government Division’s order stated that an investigation confirmed the allegations against Sheikh Abu Bakar Siddique, leading to his temporary suspension under Section 34(4)(b)(c) of the aforementioned Act.
Additionally, a show-cause notice has been issued to the chairman, requiring him to submit a written explanation within 10 working days to the Local Government Division through the Rangpur Deputy Commissioner, justifying why he should not be permanently removed from his position.
The suspension order was formalized on April 17, 2025, in a notification signed by Touhid Elahi, Senior Assistant Secretary of the Local Government Division’s Union Parishad Branch-1, under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives.
Denying the allegations, Sheikh Abu Bakar Siddique claimed that the issuance of the birth certificate was a result of a hacking incident involving the Union Parishad’s official computer in 2022. He stated, “I have not issued any birth registration certificate to a Rohingya woman. This is a conspiracy against me.” He further noted that he has sought recourse through the High Court.
Mizanur Rahman, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Badarganj, confirmed receiving the suspension letter and assured that necessary actions would be taken in accordance with the directive.
AI/MR
