The Reform Commission suggests altering the titles of DC and UNO

The Administrative Reform Commission has proposed changing the titles of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO).

On Wednesday, Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, the head of the Administrative Reform Commission, presented the commission's findings to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna. The report recommends renaming the Deputy Commissioner to "District Magistrate and District Commissioner" and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer to "Upazila Commissioner."

Additionally, the commission suggests changing the title of the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) to "Additional District Commissioner (Land Management)."

Granting the Power to Accept Cases
The commission's proposal includes giving the district commissioner the authority to accept cases. Specifically, the district commissioner would be empowered to take cases under the role of District Magistrate for CR (Court Registrar) cases, depending on the nature of the complaint. The commissioner could then direct an upazila officer or a local distinguished individual to investigate or mediate the issue. If the complaint is deemed valid after a preliminary investigation, the police would be instructed to formally accept the case, which would then proceed through the legal system.

The commission believes this will make it easier for the public to file complaints, while also helping to resolve minor disputes outside of court, thereby reducing unnecessary court burdens. However, the complainant would not be allowed to re-file the same issue in court. The commission also recommends consulting the Supreme Court before implementing this proposal.

Re-establishment of Upazila Magistrate Courts
Another key recommendation from the commission is to re-establish civil and criminal magistrate courts at the upazila level. The commission believes this would greatly benefit the public and has suggested seeking advice from the Supreme Court on this matter as well.

Creation of an Upazila Security Officer Post
Lastly, the commission has recommended the creation of a new position, the "Upazila Security Officer." It proposes that an assistant police superintendent be appointed to this role, overseeing the duties of the police station's officer-in-charge and managing law and order at the upazila level.