Bangladesh’s interim government is facing an uphill task in restoring administrative discipline, two months after assuming office, official sources said.
They said stability has yet to be restored within the bureaucratic framework despite ongoing efforts, with several senior officials either placed on special duty (OSD) or retired prematurely.
The contracts of 11 secretaries have been terminated, leaving a number of ministries without appointed heads, while several key positions remain occupied by individuals who were beneficiaries of the previous Awami League government.
The field administration, in particular, has been embroiled in controversy surrounding the appointment of deputy commissioners (DCs).
Scandals have marred the process, with numerous appointments being revoked soon after they were announced. The interim government has yet to fill vacant DC positions in eight districts, more than a month after initial withdrawals, according to the officials.
Abrupt Contract Cancellation
The contracts of two secretaries were cancelled just two days after their appointments.
Matiur Rahman, who was promoted to the position of secretary on September 30 and assigned to the Ministry of Shipping, was made an OSD on October 2. Similarly, Elahi Dad Khan, a retired official who was appointed as secretary of the Ministry of Food on September 30, had his appointment revoked soon after.
When asked about the abrupt cancellations, Md Mokhlesur Rahman, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, declined to specify reasons but noted that the terminations were made for administrative purposes.
In a subsequent move, Mohammad Masudul Hasan, an Additional Secretary from the Ministry of Public Administration, was appointed as the new Secretary for the Ministry of Food on October 1. Ismail Hossain, the previous Food Secretary, was transferred to the Ministry of Social Welfare.
The appointment of Elahi Dad Khan, who was under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), sparked outrage within the bureaucracy. The swift cancellations have fuelled discontent among officials, prompting stern directives from the Office of the Chief Adviser to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Turmoil Over DCs’ Appointments
Unrest has erupted over the appointment of new DCs across 59 districts, creating displeasure among sidelined officials. Aggrieved officials clashed within the Ministry of Public Administration on September 10, leading to altercations and heated exchanges.
Since the interim government took charge, 59 district DCs were withdrawn in an effort to reorganise the field administration, resulting in a turbulent appointment process.
The new DCs started work in 51 districts in three phases; however, the appointments in eight districts were revoked shortly after their announcement.
Mokhlesur Rahman stated that if new DCs fail to demonstrate capability, they may be reassigned.
The vacant positions in the eight districts will be filled promptly, and further changes may also occur among Assistant Deputy Commissioners (ADCs) and Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs).
He assured that the government remains committed to restoring the chain of command within the administration, with operations of the newly formed Administrative Reform Commission already underway.
Following the turmoil surrounding DC appointments, a committee has recommended punitive measures against 17 officials involved.
An investigative committee, led by Senior Secretary MA Akmal Hossain Azad of the Health Services Division, was formed to address the incidents.
Reports from various intelligence agencies have substantiated the charges against the individuals, said Mokhlesur.
“After interrogating the 17 officials, we have made recommendations for disciplinary actions based on our findings. For eight officials, significant penalties may be imposed, while four others could face minor sanctions, and five may receive warnings to prevent future misconduct,” he said.
In response to allegations regarding a Tk 3 crore cheque linked to DC appointments, the Ministry of Public Administration formed a separate investigative committee on September 24, led by Additional Secretary Md Rezaul Makshud Jahedi.
The committee was tasked with verifying the authenticity of the cheque and submitting a report within three days.
Commenting on the investigation report, Mokhlesur Rahman dismissed the claims as baseless rumours. “It was a fabricated story aimed at creating chaos,” he asserted.
Anticipated Changes Among Senior Officials
Further changes are anticipated within the senior administrative positions. The Office of the Chief Advisor has directed a thorough reassessment and replacement of senior officials appointed during the Awami League government’s tenure.
Secretary of the Local Government Division Abu Hena Morshed Zaman and Secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division under the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, along with other secretaries appointed during the Awami League’s tenure, are particularly being reassigned.
According to sources in the Ministry of Public Administration, officials implicated in corruption or favouritism may face immediate reassignment to OSD status, followed by potential legal action and surveillance by intelligence agencies.
