In a sweeping administrative overhaul, the interim government of Bangladesh has removed 323 municipal mayors and 495 upazila chairpersons previously elected under the administration of Sheikh Hasina.
Local Government Division issued two separate notifications regarding the development on Sunday (18 August).
One of the notifications states that the mayors have been dismissed from their positions pursuant to Section 32(a) of the Local Government (Municipalities) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024.
Meanwhile, the notification about removing the chairmen of 495 upazila parishads of the country, stated, "It is hereby stated that section 13(d) of the Upazila Parishad (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024 shall apply."
This action follows a government announcement on 16 August, which detailed that, under special circumstances deemed essential for public interest, the government has the authority to remove mayors, councillors of city corporations and municipalities, as well as chairmen, vice-chairmen, and female vice-chairmen of district and upazila councils.
The government is also authorised to appoint administrators to these positions.
The ordinances involved in this decision include the Local Government (City Corporation) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024, the Local Government (Municipalities) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024, the District Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024, and the Upazila Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024.
These ordinances were approved by the interim government’s advisory council on 16 August, and the president issued the corresponding ordinance the following day.
