Controversy Erupts in Bogura Over Naming of New Administrative Unions After Minister and His Family
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A government gazette issued on June 11 by the Bogura district administration has ignited public controversy following the formation of four new unions in Shibganj and the newly established Mokamtala upazilas. The administrative restructuring, which involves five unions in Shibganj and eight in Mokamtala, has drawn criticism over the naming conventions of the newly formed entities, with allegations of nepotism leveled against State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Shah-e Alam.
Critics, including Monira Sharmin, convener of the Jatiya Nari Shakti, have accused the minister of utilizing his political influence to name the unions after his ancestral home and family members. The new “Mirbari” union in Shibganj shares its name with the minister’s family residence in Betgari village, while the “Shimanta” and “Diganta” unions in Mokamtala bear the names of the minister’s two sons.
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The accusations have fueled local political tensions, with social media commentary labeling the minister as a “new feudal lord” for allegedly prioritizing his lineage over community identity. However, Minister Shah-e Alam has categorically denied these claims. In a statement, he maintained that the names were selected by local and district administrations following formal public hearings and legal procedures. He asserted that any resemblance between the union names and his children’s names is purely coincidental and claimed he was not consulted on the final selections.
Shibganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ziaur Rahman defended the process, noting that the initiative followed a request from the minister, but emphasized that public input was gathered through hearings. He explained that “Diganta” was chosen as a thematic reference to the previous Deuli union structure, and “Shimanta” reflects the union’s geographical position bordering the Sonatala and Gabtali upazilas. He declined to comment specifically on the naming of the Mirbari union.
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Local administrative officials have clarified that proposals for union naming originate at the upazila level. Bogura Deputy Commissioner Md. Toufiqur Rahman stated that once the district administration receives these formal proposals, there is little scope for the office to challenge the origins of the suggested names, provided they adhere to administrative protocols.
The debate arrives amid broader changes for the region. On April 12, the Cabinet Division approved the creation of the new Mokamtala upazila, spanning approximately 128.74 square kilometers with a population of roughly 150,000. Furthermore, Minister Shah-e Alam recently announced plans to rename Shibganj upazila to “Mahasthan,” citing administrative complications caused by the existence of another Shibganj upazila in Chapainawabganj. Supporters argue the change is necessary for regional identity, while critics view the ongoing administrative shifts as a consolidation of power by the local political leadership.
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