Bangladesh
High Court High Court takes away powers of UNOs in Upazila Parishad
Dhaka, March 30: The High Court has cancelled Section 33 of the Upazila Parishad Act regarding the post of Chief Executive Officer (UNO) of Upazila Parishad. The lawyers said that the UNOs did not have absolute authority over the upazila chairmen. From now on, UNOs will provide secretarial support to the Upazila Parishads.
The High Court bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Ahmed Sohel announced the verdict on Wednesday (March 29). Barrister Azmalul Hossain QC, Barrister Hasan MS Azim appeared for the writ in the court. Additional Attorney General Mehdi Hasan Chowdhury heard the state's side.
Section 33 (1) of the Act states that the Upazila Executive Officer shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Parishad and he shall provide secretarial support to the Parishad. (2) The chief executive officer of the council shall carry out the implementation of decisions of the council, maintenance of financial order and other functions prescribed by the rules.
Lawyer Barrister Hasan MS Azim said that despite having an elected representative in the Upazila Parishad, an executive officer has been given more power. It is against the constitution. For this reason, the court canceled Article 33.
Earlier on January 6, 2021, the court issued a ruling on why Section 33 of the Upazila Parishad Act regarding the post of Chief Executive Officer (UNO) in the Upazila Parishad should not be repealed. Justice Md. Mojibur Rahman Mia and Justice Md. Kamrul Hossain Mollar High Court bench issued the rule.
