A committee investigating the disruption in appointment of district commissioners (DC) has recommended disciplinary action against 17 deputy secretaries involved in the incident.

This was disclosed at a press conference on Monday by Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Md. Mokhlesur Rahman.

Rahman said the disorder occurred on September 10, when several officials expressed dissatisfaction with the appointments. A one-member investigation committee, led by Senior Secretary of the Health Services Division M. A. Akmal Hossain Azad, was subsequently formed.

“We have received reports from the committee as well as intelligence agencies, along with witness testimonies,” Rahman said.

The committee interviewed 17 officials and suggested three levels of disciplinary action. Eight officials may face severe punishment pending further investigation, four could receive minor penalties, and five might be issued warnings.

“Discipline is essential in the administration,” Rahman said. “We will take necessary legal steps to ensure order is maintained.”

The unrest reportedly occurred when a group of deputy secretaries, upset over not being appointed as DCs, demonstrated at the Ministry of Public Administration on Sept. 10. Witnesses reported verbal clashes with senior officials, and some officials nearly came to blows.

One joint secretary has already been transferred to Sylhet as the additional divisional commissioner for overreacting during the incident, Rahman said.

The Government Employee (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018 will be followed in administering punishments, he added.