Thakurgaon’s Pirganj upazila has been without the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) for around one and a half months, disrupting administrative activities and suffering of service seekers.

Sources said though former Pirganj UNO Md Ramiz Alam, who was transferred to Rangpur as an additional deputy commissioner, handed over the responsibilities to Ranisankail UNO Md Rakibul Hasan on January 21, he is yet to take charge.

The Ministry of Public Administration has not issued any new order regarding the matter.

In the absence of the UNO, AC (Land) Ishfakul has been performing the additional responsibilities including those of the municipal mayor and Upazila Parishad chairman.

Moreover, he is also overseeing around 200 educational institutions as their governing body head.

Officials and the people are facing difficulties as essential documents and files remain pending for signatures.

Service seeker Rahmat said he has been coming to the Upazila Parishad for four consecutive days just to get a signature, but he could not find the officer.

Mokhlesur Rahman Chowdhury, a UP chairman, said the AC (Land) is not found now and then due to his business and refuses to sign some documents, disrupting Union Parishad activities.

AC (Land) Ishfakul said the work pressure is immense and he is trying his best  but a UNO is urgently needed here.

Thakurgaon Deputy Commissioner Ishrat Farzana said the matter has been reported to higher authorities and she hoped that a new UNO will be appointed soon.