The Ministry of Local Government has criticized Meherpur Municipality Mayor Mahfuzur Rahman Riton for not clearing over Tk 6 crore salaries of 92 officers, employees and workers of the municipality that have remained outstanding for more than 25 months.
Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government in a letter criticized the mayor.
According to the letter, salaries of 92 officials-employees of Meherpur municipality worth Taka 6 crore 4 lakh 31 thousand 759 remained outstanding for the last 25 months. Meherpur Deputy Commissioner's Office submitted an investigation report to the Ministry in this regard.
According to the Municipal Ordinance, the payment of salaries to the officers and employees shall be paid on priority basis from the revenue income. Arrears of 25 months’ salary of a Class I municipality is contrary to section 32 and sub-section (4) of section 91 of the Local Government (Municipalities) Act-2009.
In this situation, the ministry has asked the municipality mayor to respond in writing within 10 working days as to why action should not be taken against the mayor for misconduct and abuse of power.
Meherpur Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Shamim Hasan said that he has received a copy of the letter from the ministry to the mayor of the municipality. If the mayor responds in writing, the ministry will take further action.
When asked about the letter, Meherpur Mayor Mahfuzur Rahman Riton said, “I have received the letter. Preparation for submission of reply is in progress.”