Administrative action has been taken against officials found absent during surprise inspections conducted by State Minister for Shipping and Bridges Md. Razib Ahsan, MP, at various offices under the Ministry of Shipping in Barishal and Dhaka.

During the inspections, several officers and employees were found absent from their workplaces without prior approval from the competent authority. Many others were also seen arriving late beyond the official reporting time.

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Expressing strong dissatisfaction, the State Minister directed the concerned authorities to take immediate administrative action against those responsible for negligence of duty and violation of discipline.

Following his directives, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) transferred 13 officials and employees from its Barishal office. Of them, nine were from the Dredging Department, two from the River Conservancy and Operations Department, one from the Port and Transport Department, and one from the Accounts Department.

In addition, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) transferred three employees immediately.

In total, 16 officials and employees were transferred (stand released) following the inspections.

The State Minister instructed all officials and staff of the ministry and its subordinate bodies to perform duties with sincerity, responsibility, and strict adherence to office hours.

He also said such surprise inspections will continue in future to ensure discipline, accountability and improved service delivery in government offices.