Attendance checks raise questions over DSCC zone officers’ role

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Md Abdus Salam has raised questions over the role of zonal executive officers after finding many employees absent during surprise visits to two zonal offices.

On Tuesday, Salam visited the Zone-5 office in Sayedabad and found around 25% of officials and employees absent from their workstations. He ordered Regional Executive Officer Akhtar-Un-Nesa Shuli to take departmental action against them.

According to a DSCC press release, Salam left his office accompanied only by his personal driver to keep the inspection secret. He reached the Zone-5 office at 8:50am and waited outside to monitor the arrival of officials and employees. At 9:02am, he entered the office and ordered the main gate closed to prevent latecomers from entering.

He inspected every room and checked the attendance register before ordering action.

He later visited Shahjahanpur in Ward No. 11 to check the attendance of cleaning workers. Finding some workers absent, he directed Chief Waste Management Officer Air Commodore Md Mahbubur Rahman Talukder to investigate.

On 2 September, Salam made a similar surprise visit to the Zone-2 office in Tilpapara, Khilgaon, around 10am and found 8-10 senior officials absent. He ordered Zone-2 Executive Officer Abu Aslam to mark them absent and take departmental action.

The correspondent called the Zone-2 and Zone-5 executive officers for comments.

Zone-5 Executive Officer Akhtar-Un-Nesa Shuli said, “I am in charge of two zone offices at a time. I occasionally check the attendance registry. Besides, we issue directive for regular attendance. Despite of the fact, there has some problem.”

She added, “Sir said 25% absent but I will not contradict him. But our staffs have to attend outdoor work. They have to stay outside for mosquito and cleanliness work. But I can ensure you that nobody will draw salary. We must deduct salary for absence.”

Zone-2 Executive Officer Abu Aslam said, “When administrator sir visited our office, only eight staff was absent. Three had no genuine cause to remain absent and action being taken against them.”

He also said, “We have section heads to check attendance. If there is any observation, I am here to oversee. But there have some problem in staff dominated office like us to regulate them.”

Salam said, “Mainly, it is the duty of the zonal executive officer to check attendance and ensure the presence of the employees. I am doing this as part of the duty. Next time, I will make the zonal executives accountable for this kind of administrative responsibility. If necessary, I will take action against them.”