The Khulna City Corporation (KCC) has been paralyzed since the fall of the government on August 5, with the mayor and most councillors in hiding, leading to severe disruption in citizen services.

The chief executive of KCC has written to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives, seeking guidance on how to manage the current administrative and financial situation.

A letter was sent to the ministry on August 8, requesting instructions on appointing an administrator to address the impasse. The concerned authorities are now awaiting a decision.

The office of Khulna City Corporation Mayor Talukder Abdul Khaleque has been vacant for the past nine days, with employees removing his name plaques from inside and outside the office.

Md Forkan Shikder, the owner of Rifat Enterprise, noted that general employees' offices are within KCC, and according to the City Corporation Act, the mayor holds sole authority over administrative decisions and financial approvals. Consequently, in his absence, KCC's daily operations have ground to a halt.

Laskar Tajul Islam, chief executive officer of KCC, confirmed that the corporation cannot make any decisions as the mayor has not delegated his responsibilities. This has led to a complete standstill of development projects.

Md Anisur Rahman, chief waste management officer of KCC, said that the waste management department is facing significant difficulties due to the mayor's absence. Daily wage workers have not been paid for the last month, and a recent arson attack on KCC's oil pumps has caused a fuel shortage, hampering waste collection.

Ward Councillor No. 30, SM Mozaffar Rashidi Reza, said that most of KCC's 41 councillors are in hiding, leaving citizens without essential services such as citizenship and birth certificates. However, two councillors have resumed work.