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Lack of resources hinders uplift activities in unions

Rakhalburuj UP chairperson Shahida Faraz is still optimistic of bringing smiles on people's face

Z A M KHAIRUZZAMAN
Rakhalburuj is a union situated on the Karatoa in Gobindaganj upazila, Gaibandha. People in this union are proud of their female UP (Union Parishad) chairperson, Shahida Faraz.
Widow of former chairman Farajuddin Sarker, Shahida entered into local government politics after death of her husband on an impulse to finish his unfinished task. Her husband was a visionary. But death snatched him away much before fulfillment of his cherished dreams. People in the area also wanted her to be their chairperson. So, he did not have to face any embarrassing situation, rather people see her as their able leader. Her male colleagues and common people always cooperated with her in accomplishment of her duties.
However, after her takeover as a chairperson, Shahida found she had nothing significant to do, but to spend most of her valuable time in signing certificates and doing arbitration 'although there are many things to do,' according to her. Construction of some new roads and culverts is the prime need. The union requires a college for education extension. A health complex is a must for increasing treatment facilities for people. As the union has no UP Bhaban (building), it should be built without delay. Moreover, government allotment is also mea-
gre. So, in reality there is no work in the union worth mentioning.
Shahida feels it necessary to send allotment of annual development budget to the UP directly. This helps enable to do development work as per local requirement. VGD cards should also be increased. Test relief needs to be enhanced for creation of employment. Steps should be taken to increase sources of local resources along with utilisation of government resources.
Despite all the odds, Shahida still firmly believes she can bring smiles on people's faces if she gets govern-
ment assistance and cooperation properly.
Inhabited by 21,022 people, the condition of Rakhalburuj union is similar to scores of neglected unions in the country. Here exists 13 primary schools, three secondary schools, 15 other educational institutions run by NGOs. The NGOs are BRAC, CARE, Grameen Bank, Pallisree, Gano Unnayan Kendra, Palli Daridra Bimochon, ASHA and Chandpur Jano Kalyan. About 3,500 families are directly benefited from the activities of the NGOs. Only 10 out of 100 kilometre roads are pucca. Besides, 46 square kilometre area is under electrification programme. The economy is solely based on agriculture. Cent per cent permanent inhabitants are agriculturists. About 9, 178 metric tons of agricultural
commodities are produced here annually. The commodities consist of paddy, jute, wheat, potato, sugar cane and aubergine.
Often the incidents of repression on women happen in the union. These are settled amicably through the UP. There are a few incidents which are beyond their capacity. In such cases the victims are asked to go to courts. The UP assists them otherwise. Efforts are made also to ensure fair justice. The UP has undertaken various programmes to make people aware about its ill-effect so that such incidents decrease.