Following a directive from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the names of several newly formed unions in Bogura, which were named after the sons of the Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives (LGRD) Mir Shahe Alam, are being changed.
Bogura Deputy Commissioner (DC) Toufiqur Rahman confirmed that the names of “Simanto” and “Diganto” unions in the newly formed Mokamtola Upazila are being revised per the prime minister’s instructions, following intense criticism.
He added that necessary activities are underway to determine new names through fresh public hearings, which will prioritise local history, heritage, and geographical identity.
According to the DC, the upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) will re-organise these hearings. “New dates will be scheduled for the unions where names are to be changed,” the DC noted, adding that names emerging from these public discussions will be adopted.
The controversy began following an 11 June notification signed by the Bogura DC, which outlined the administrative restructuring of Shibganj and the newly formed Mokamtola Upazila.
Four new unions were established, “Mirbari” in Shibganj, and “Simanto,” “Diganto,” and “Swarnagram” in Mokamtola. Public and political outcry focused specifically on the names “Mirbari,” “Simanto,” and “Diganto.”
Allegations surfaced that “Mirbari” refers to the state minister’s ancestral home, while “Simanto” and “Diganto” were named after his eldest son, Mir Shakrul Alam Simanto, and his younger son, Mir Saqlain Alam Diganto.
The issue gained significant attention on social media and was subsequently raised in the National Parliament.
In response to parliamentary inquiries, State Minister Mir Shahe Alam previously defended the names, claiming they were selected by the UNO and DC based on local opinions and geographical considerations.
He argued that “Simanto” was chosen because the area lies on the border of Gabtoli and Sonatola Upazilas, while “Diganto” was based on its geographical position.
The state minister had maintained that the similarity between the union names and his sons’ names was purely coincidental.
