Charge-sheeted accused takes oath as UP chairman

A newly elected union parishad (UP) chairman, charge-sheeted in a case for torturing a woman, took oath at the deputy commissioner's office in the district yesterday.

DC AKM Shamimul Haque Siddikee administered the oath of office to the elected chairmen at noon. Superintendent of Police Syed Mosfiqur Rahman was present.

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The accused is Khaledul Islam Swapan, chairman of Gazalia Union Parishad in Galachipa upazila, and president of the upazila unit of Jubo League.

On March 27, a woman's head was shaved for her alleged extra-marital affair with a nephew of her husband of Ichhadi village under the union.

Police on May 4 submitted charge sheet against Swapan and MA Kuddus, former chairman of the union, in the case for torturing the woman, said Md Rafiqul Islam, officer-in-charge (inquiry) of Galachipa Police Station.

Following publication of the gazette, the district administration had arranged the oath-taking function for the UP chairmen elected on March 22, the DC said, adding that he did not know who was charge-sheeted.

SP Syed Mosfiqur Rahman said he was not aware that the charge-sheeted accused took oath at the DC's office.

Khan Mosharraf Hossain, administrator of Patuakhali district council, among others, was present at the oath taking function.

Despite repeated calls, this correspondent could not contact the newly elected UP chairman for his comment on the issue as he did not receive phone calls.