UNOs under scanner

A government move to collect personal information of Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) has sparked anger and frustration within the local administration.

District police have been asked to collect a host of information about the UNOs, including their political affiliations during their student years as well as if any of their family members or close relatives are involved in politics. 

Although police officials were asked to submit their findings to the Special Branch (SB) of police by July 1 (yesterday), many of them could not do so, sources said. 

The political wing of the SB sent letters to the district police in mid-June in this regard. The Daily Star has a copy of the order.

The move comes just about six months before the general election, expected in December. During elections, UNOs serve as assistant returning officers, a crucial role.

Contacted yesterday, a top SB official said, “It's a routine work. We do this on a regular basis.”

The official requested anonymity as he is not authorised to speak to the media.

Aggrieved by the move, many UNOs have been discussing the matter within their batch-based forums and the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association, a platform of all members of the BCS (administration) cadre.

“Police verifications were done before our recruitment. Such an inquiry after several years of our recruitment is disgraceful,” said a UNO.  

Another UNO from 28th batch said, “A police official called me today [yesterday] and wanted to know some personal information such as the names of my schools and colleges and the year I passed. 

“I declined to give the information at first, but later gave it as it is not difficult to know such things,” the UNO said.

“In many cases, police officials visited UNO offices with a form. In other cases, they visited schools and colleges to get some particular information. This is objectionable,” the official said.

There are 490 UNOs in as many upazilas, according to the LGRD ministry data.

Most of the current UNOs are from 27th (2007-08) and 28th batches while some are from 29th batch. Normally, officials are promoted to the post of UNO after six-seven years of service. 

Although public servants are under the public administration ministry, Cabinet Division is the supervising authority of field-level officials.

However, sources said the Cabinet Division was not aware of the latest SB move.

The Daily Star could not reach State Minister for Public Administration Ismat Ara Sadique by phone for comments.

WHAT DID THE LETTER SAY?

The letter, signed by a deputy inspector general of police, was sent to the superintendent of police (district SB), the deputy police commissioner (city Special Brach) and the special superintendent of police.

“As the candidates [UNOs] are high-level government officials, you [police officials] are requested to maintain utmost secrecy and carefulness during investigations,” the letter reads.

Police officials were asked to collect names, parents' names, current posting, permanent address, names of schools, colleges and universities they studied in and their sessions, their previous work stations, duration, designation and whether they faced any departmental cases.

The political affiliations of the UNOs during their student years must be verified by contacting the authorities of their educational institutions, the letter instructed. 

Police officials were also asked to find out if any of the UNO's family members and close relatives are involved in politics.

The letter also asked the investigator and the SP of the DSB to include their clear and overall personal opinion about the UNOs.