'If every secretary arrives on time, so will I' — Tungipara union parishad secretary Lipi Gharami criticised, inquiry committee formed

Lipi Gharami, administrative officer (secretary) of Gopalpur Union Parishad in Tungipara upazila of Gopalganj, has come under criticism for her remarks about her own late arrival at the office. She said that if every secretary in the country came to the office at the right time, she too would follow the rules and arrive on time.

She faces allegations of not attending the office regularly, arriving late, leaving before the scheduled time and harassing people who come for services. Complainants say the matter has created anger among local representatives and residents.

A written complaint signed by the acting chairman of Gopalpur Union Parishad and nine UP members says the secretary does not attend her workplace regularly. Even when she does come to the office, she arrives late and leaves before the scheduled time.

The same complaint also says she discloses confidential office information outside, does not coordinate with the chairman and UP members, and does not give a proper account of money collected as fees for trade licences and inheritance certificates. Local residents are being deprived of regular government services for these reasons, the complaint says.

People who came for services said they arrive at the union parishad at 9am and wait, but the secretary is seen at 10am, sometimes at 11am. On some days she does not come to the office even after noon has passed. They also alleged that she behaves badly when they phone to ask when she will come to the office.

There is also an allegation that, on the pretext of official work, she comes and goes from the office as she pleases without the permission of the officer concerned. Those affected said such conduct by an official responsible for taking government services to people's doorsteps has created strong resentment in the area.

Asked about the reason for regularly arriving late, Lipi Gharami said in her explanation that she comes to the office from far away via Gopalganj upazila, so delays can happen.

Asked why she comes to the office at 10:30am or 11am instead of 9am every day, she said: do all secretaries go to the office on time? If every secretary in the country goes to the office on time, then she too will come on time.

Ramendranath Dhali, acting chairman of Gopalpur Union Parishad, said the secretary does not listen to them at all. She comes to the office and works as she pleases, and this conduct is severely disrupting government service activities, he said.

Rezwana Kabir, deputy director of the Local Government Division in Gopalganj, said they have received a written complaint. An inquiry committee has been formed to examine the complaint, and necessary action will be taken after the inquiry is completed, she said.

Meanwhile, local representatives and residents have demanded the secretary's swift removal and strict punitive action against her.