Public servants condemn harassment of UNO over Bangabandhu's photo

In an unprecedented statement, an organisation of civil servants has condemned the harassment of an Upazila executive officer or UNO on charges of distorting Bangabandhu's photo.

Bangladesh Administrative Service Association or BASA in its statement issued on Thursday demanded action against those involved with the incident.

Barisal UNO Tariq Salmon was in jail for two hours on Wednesday after a lawyer sued him for publishing the photo of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in an invitation card of an Independence Day programme.

The BASA statement said the association reacted to the incident in a meeting chaired by its General Secretary and Prime Minister's Office Director General Kabir Bin Anwar.

Barisal Bar Association President Obayed Ullah Saju started the case against Tariq on June 7 alleging that he published a distorted photo of Bangabangdhu when he was the UNO of Barisal's Agailjharha Upazila.

Tariq, now stationed in Barguna, appeared before Barisal Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court on Wednesday in response to a summons. Judge Md Ali Hossain ordered him into jail.

BASA, the association of officers of administration cadre, has termed the judge's order 'unprecedented'.

Condemning the police action, it alleged the plaintiff and other lawyers created anarchy in court and pressure over 'an imaginary issue'.

It said the police dragged Tariq to jail, which is a violation of their regulations.

"The meeting strongly condemned and expressed anger over such intentional and defamatory behaviour towards an important official of the State, who represents the republic at the Upazila level," the statement said.

It also claimed the issue has created anger among the people as well.

The association called upon the relevant authorities for action over "unprecedented and defamatory order, illegal police action and so-called local politicians".

The association does not usually issue any statement over any legal action against any government official.