18 N'ganj land office officials, including 2 AC lands, show-caused after state minister's surprise visit

Eighteen officials and employees, including two assistant commissioners (land), of three land offices in Narayanganj have been served show-cause notices following surprise inspections by Land and Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs State Minister Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin.

Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner (DC) Raihan Kabir confirmed the matter this afternoon (31 August).

The two AC Lands are Narayanganj Sadar Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Sadia Akter and Fatullah Thana Assistant Commissioner (Land) Ongmaching Marma. The identities of the other 16 officials and employees could not be immediately confirmed.

The state minister conducted surprise inspections of the land offices of Narayanganj Sadar, Fatullah and Siddhirganj in the Khanpur area around 8:30am today, the deputy commissioner said.

During the visits, he found various irregularities, including officials and employees being absent from work despite their attendance having already been marked.

"Even though some officials and employees were not present, their attendance had already been marked. This is in no way acceptable," Mir Helal said during the inspection.

Following the inspection, 18 officials and employees were served show-cause notices and asked to explain their conduct within three working days, the deputy commissioner said.

"The people are the real owners of the country, and it is the responsibility of government officials and employees to provide services to them, not a favour," the state minister said, stressing the need for punctuality, sincerity and accountability in public service.

During the inspection, the minister collected information on the irregularities and said administrative action would be taken against those responsible.

"However, it is not only about punitive action. A change in the mindset of officials and employees is also needed to ensure proper government services," he said.