Agartala, March 1, 2024 — Local residents of Dharmanagar staged a vigorous protest today, encircling the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) office. Their collective demand: halt the transfer of the current SDO, Sohel Ahmed, who has been instrumental in addressing critical issues during his brief tenure.
Following the untimely demise of Subodh Dhar, the former SDO, Sohel Ahmed assumed the role at the Dharmanagar DRDA office approximately a month ago. His proactive approach swiftly resolved drinking water scarcity in key areas, including Kalachhara, Kathaltila, Malakar Para, and Asit Smriti.
Under his dynamic leadership, Dharmanagar witnessed promising strides toward development.
Abruptly, Sohel Ahmed received orders for relocation to another posting. The news sparked resentment across different sections of Dharmanagar. Hundreds of residents, including several councilors, gheraoed the DRDA office in Nayapara. A sit-in demonstration unfolded at the office entrance. Protesters alleged that the transfer was orchestrated by Rajiv Pal, Deputy Secretary of the PWD Department in the capital, with the intent to stifle Dharmanagar’s progress. The people’s collective voice resounded: Sohel Ahmed’s transfer is unacceptable.
The Dharmanagar police station dispatched officers to the scene. After engaging with the agitated crowd, the police administration departed, having grasped the situation. Protesters issued a stern warning: unless the transfer order is promptly suspended, they will escalate their movement to the streets. The fate of Dharmanagar’s development now hangs in the balance, as the community rallies to retain a leader who has made a tangible impact.
