Laxmipur's 22 union councils operate without permanent offices

Twenty two out of 58 union councils of Laxmipur lack permanent office buildings, compelling them to operate out of rented spaces which disrupted council activities, created administrative inefficiencies and caused significant inconvenience for citizens seeking services.

According to local representatives, repeated appeals for permanent buildings have been unsuccessful. However, the district administration has assured that once land is allocated, steps will be taken to construct the necessary infrastructure.

A visit to the Dalal Bazar union council office revealed that its operations are being conducted in a rented shop. This arrangement hampers essential administrative tasks and the functioning of rural court. Similarly, councils in Torabganj, Saheber Hat, Patwari Hat, Charkalkini, and Rasulganj are operating under similar constraints, struggling to meet the needs of their communities.

Without permanent offices, council staff often share cramped spaces, resulting in inefficiencies. For example, digital service center entrepreneurs face severe challenges due to inadequate facilities, making it difficult for them to provide services such as birth and death certificates, citizenship certificates, and other essential documents. Long waiting times and overcrowded spaces further exacerbate citizens' frustrations.

Local residents have expressed their dissatisfaction. Kulsuma Begum of Dalal Bazar shared her ordeal, saying, "We have to stand in line for hours, often with small children, just to access basic services. The lack of a proper building adds to our suffering." Similarly, Abdul Rahim from Torabganj highlighted that approximately 40,000 people in his union are deprived of adequate services due to the absence of a permanent office.

Union council chairpersons also voiced their concerns. Nazrul Islam, chairman of Dalal Bazar union, lamented that the council has been operating out of a rented shop for over 20 years. "This is a disgraceful situation for a central hub like Dalal Bazar. We need a permanent complex to ensure proper services for our people," he stated. Mirza Ashrafuzzaman Rasel, chairman of Torabganj union, added that the lack of a permanent building disrupts rural court activities and leaves official records vulnerable.

The district administration has acknowledged the issue. Rajib Kumar Sarkar, the Deputy Commissioner of Laxmipur, stated that the Ministry has been informed about the need for permanent offices. Land acquisition has been completed for four union councils, and construction is expected to follow soon. The administration plans to address all affected unions gradually.

Residents and representatives hope for swift government action to resolve these issues, emphasizing that permanent buildings are essential for providing effective and dignified public services.