Controversy erupts after Lalmonirhat UNO’s call on club event goes online

A phone conversation between Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shamima Sultana and an event organiser has sparked controversy in Kaliganj of Lalmonirhat, after the audio was shared on social media.

The incident took place following a Choruibhatri programme organised at the Royal Football Academy club on Thursday night (January 15). The event, which was supposed to end by 10:00pm as per permission, continued until 1:00am. Concerned about the delay, UNO Shamima Sultana called Mithu, the club’s vice-president, asking why the event had not been concluded. The organisers reportedly assured her the programme would soon end.

The recorded phone call was later shared online on Friday (January 16).

In the audio, Mithu repeatedly addresses the UNO as “Apu” (sister). At one point, the UNO responds, “Kind your information, I am not your Apu,” and ends the call.

Mithu claimed he was upset at being addressed as “Apu.” However, social media audio clips and the recording provided by Mithu do not confirm this allegation. He also said the event had been delayed due to multiple celebrations happening simultaneously and alleged that the UNO cited election restrictions to justify stopping the programme, which he considered unreasonable. He reportedly asked, “Should I call her ‘Bhabi’ instead?”

UNO Shamima Sultana defended her actions, saying she acted professionally. She stated that permission had initially been granted for the event to continue until 10:00pm, but the organisers extended it until 1:00am. “The audio itself clarifies the matter,” she said.

Commenting on the incident, teacher Rayhan Sharif described the recording and social media circulation of a government official’s phone conversation as concerning, adding that it reflects a lack of responsibility on both sides.