By president’s decree Abduqodir Valizoda has been relieved of his post of Mayor of Kulob, a source within the Kulob mayor’s office told Asia-Plus in an in interview.  

Abduqodir Valizoda

Valizoda has served as Mayor of Kulob since June 20, 2020.  Prior to this, he had served as Mayor of Tursunzoda.

By another president’s decree Bakhtiyor Nazarzoda, who had previously served as the head of Khatlon Main Finance Directorate, was appointed an acting Mayor of Kulob. 

Bakhtiyor Nazarzoda

Chairpersons of a number of cities and districts of Khatlon have also been replaced, the source added. 

It is to be noted that Bakhtiyor Nazarzoda is already the third mayor of Kulob in two years.  

He replaced Bathroom Inoyatzoda in June 2020, after the latter was arrested on corruption charges and was sentenced to 12 years in prison on November 20, 2020.  Inoyatzoda had served as Mayor of Kulob since May 2019.  

In Tajikistan, mayors are appointed by President Emomali Rahmon, and their arrests are very rare.