Mohua Pervin Lipi, 32, is the UP (Union Parishad) chairperson of Biprobalegharia union in Sadar upazila, Natore. She is the only female UP leader in 52 unions.

She was studying in HSC (Higher Secondary certificate) class before her marriage with the chairperson of the union, Zahid Hossain Mukul. Before entering in politics, she was merely a housewife. Her husband was involved in BNP politics. As a Jubo Dal leader he earned name and fame. But he faced a premature death as he was killed by his rivals while he was on way home on October 28, 1997. People of all walks of life were shocked at his premature unnatural death. Actually it is her husband's death which prompted Lipi to enter in local government politics. She took part in the bye-election as desired by the people who overwhelmingly elected her a chairper-

son.

Being empowered, Lipi came to know that Union Parishad is a sick organisation. Most of the UPs have no independent source of income. Moreover, government allotment is decreasing gradually. In such a situation, the responsibility of leasing hats-bazaars and water bodies should be handed over to UPs. Government allotment should also be increased, Lipi thinks. She is in favour of direct allotment of money to the concerned UPs. Only then the UPs will be able to play a greater and effective role in rural uplift, according to her.

Lipi believes in decentralisation of power, otherwise the socio-economic condition of rural habitations will not change. UPs should be given autonomy for strengthening development activities in the unions.

People of Biprobalegharia union elected Lipi chairperson for a second term in recognition to her welfare-oriented activities during tenure of her first term in office.

There are only one college, one higher secondary institution, six secondary schools and eight primary schools in her union, inhabited by 30,000 people. There are also seven madrassas and 52 schools being run by NGOs. About 45 per cent people are literate in her union. The economy of the union is mainly dependent on agriculture. About 14,000 metric tons of agricultural products are produced here. Of these paddy, jute, onion, garlic, pepper and muster are worth mentioning.

The two-storied office building of Mohua Pervin consists of a computer although internet facility is not available. She stresses on improvement of communication and power systems. Besides, She wants to establish agriculture-based industries to solve unemployment problem. According to her, joblessness is the main problem in the area. About 40 to 45 incidents of repression on women happen annually in her union. The incidents occur over dowry, child marriage and polygamy. She has taken a bold initiative to curb the unwanted incidents.

As a female chairperson, Lipi did not face any problem socially. According to her, local people extended their helping hands towards her. Her male colleagues are also cooperative. Administration officials always encourage her although the influence of politics in union development activities frustrates her sometimes. Often influential circles of ruling parties interfere in activities in the union. This is because they gave priority on self-interest rather than meeting people's needs. Most of UP chairpersons in other unions also have to face similar problems, she feels. But Lipi thinks this should not happen for people's interest and local development.