PM orders name change of controversial 'Simanta' and 'Diganta' unions in Bogura

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has ordered the names of the controversial 'Simanta' and 'Diganta' unions in the newly formed Mokamtala upazila of Bogura to be changed.

Bogura Deputy Commissioner Taufiqur Rahman confirmed the matter to the media around 8:45 pm on Friday, June 19.

The two unions became the centre of controversy after a gazette notification issued on June 14 named them Simanta and Diganta. The names coincided with the names of the sons of State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam—Mir Shakrul Alam Simanta and Mir Saklain Alam Diganta. This sparked allegations that the minister had the unions named after his children.

The minister had previously stated in parliament that the names were "coincidental" and had not been intentional, claiming they reflected the geographical locations of the unions.

Bogura DC Taufiqur Rahman said the prime minister called him and directed him to change the names of the two unions. "The necessary process to change the names of the unions has been initiated. They will be renamed following due procedure," he said.