Tungipara Election Office in rented house, citizens facing service disruption due to lack of space
BM Shamim, Tungipara (Gopalganj)
The Upazila Election Office in Tungipara, Gopalganj, has been operating from a rented building for a long time. As a result, limited space, complicated accessibility, and an unsuitable environment are disrupting public services.
Since the demolition of the old building in 2019, the Election Office has been running from the ground floor of a three-storied private house, about 600 meters away from the Upazila Parishad building. With only two small rooms and a veranda, officials, employees, and visiting voters are facing constant difficulties in receiving services.
Although land has been allocated for the construction of a new building, work has not started due to various complications. Consequently, compared to other upazilas in the district, Tungipara’s Election Office remains lagging behind.
Newly appointed Upazila Election Officer Md. Harun Or Rashid said, “Despite being an important government office, the Election Office is being operated from a rented house. Often, service-seekers from different areas struggle just to locate the office. As a neutral and non-partisan institution, having its own building is absolutely essential.”
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Farzana Akhter said that efforts are already underway to temporarily shift the Election Office to a government building. She added that necessary steps will also be taken in consultation with higher authorities to ensure the construction of a permanent office.
With the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election approaching, there are concerns that without immediate action, voter services and election activities in Tungipara will face serious disruptions.
