United News of Bangladesh

A year after the July Uprising laid bare the disarray within public administration, the government is intensifying efforts to restore order through a series of tough reforms aimed at strengthening institutional discipline and accountability. Since the interim government assumed office in August last year, officials at various levels of the civil administration have engaged in rallies, sit-ins, human chains, and "pen break" protests, particularly in response to the restructuring and division of the National Board of Revenue (NBR). The government has responded with disciplinary action against those participating in such movements. Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Mukhlesur Rahman told UNB that the government is maintaining a firm position on disorderly conduct by officials. "Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has directed a strict stance on such issues. From now on, if any government official or employee engages in unjustified movements against the government, legal action will be taken,” he said. He mentioned that the administration is adhering to a ‘zero tolerance’ policy to ensure transparency and accountability in the civil service. Mukhlesur Rahman said this is the government’s most serious effort yet to restore discipline ahead of the elections. Unrest and Economic Impact Over the past year, employees of NBR , various ministries and field administrations have staged frequent demonstrations. These included sit-ins, rallies, and symbolic work stoppages in protest, particularly over the proposed restructuring of the NBR. Scope is there to reconsider Public Service Ordinance: Law Adviser The unrest has negatively affected revenue collection, disrupted trade operations and complicated customs and supply chain processes, causing significant losses for businesses. Tensions peaked when protesting NBR officials reportedly tore up two recent transfer orders, denouncing them as retaliatory and oppressive. In response, the government has temporarily suspended 14 officials recently. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has also launched an investigation into several officials. Social Media Monitoring and Cautionary Measures In parallel, the Ministry of Public Administration has issued a directive to all ministries, departments and local administrative bodies, urging officials to exercise caution on social media. The circular warned that misconduct on digital platforms could violate multiple regulations, including the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1979, the Guidelines for the Use of Social Media in Government Institutions, 2019, and the Government Servants Discipline and Appeal Rules, 2018. Officials were reminded that unauthorised social media activity could compromise national security, damage the integrity of the civil service and result in disciplinary action as per existing government service laws. The directive mandates strict adherence to the 2019 guidelines and empowers authorities to take legal measures against violators to uphold decorum in public service. Govt to form high-level committee to review public service ordinance Mandatory Investigation Amid ongoing administrative unrest and employee agitation in the secretariat, the government has approved a series of flexible amendments to the Government Services (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 to ensure due process in disciplinary actions. Under the new provisions, it is now mandatory to form a three-member investigation committee before taking disciplinary action against any government employee. A show-cause notice must be issued within seven days of receiving a complaint, and a decision must be made within seven working days of the employee’s response. Besides, the previous provision allowing punishment solely on the basis of notice has been scrapped. Meanwhile, the Advisory Council of the interim government has given in-principle approval to the draft of the ordinance, which builds on the earlier Government Services (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, issued on 25 May. Key Changes in Law The new amendment adds due process and clarifies what constitutes misconduct. According to the law, an employee may be punished for acts that include: Disobeying superiors or inciting others to disobey Disrupting administrative discipline Abstaining from duties without leave or valid reason, individually or collectively Inciting others to abstain or obstructing colleagues from performing duties Under the updated ordinance, which was formally issued on 23 July and signed by Dr Hafiz Ahmed Chowdhury, secretary of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division, a government employee found guilty of such misconduct, including striking or obstructing others from working, may face compulsory retirement or dismissal. Reforms in Promotion The government has also taken steps to address long-standing grievances related to inequality in promotions and postings. For the past 17 years, certain officials, particularly those politically deprived, have allegedly been overlooked. Secretariat Protests: Energy Adviser warns of possible misuse of Public Service Ordinance To minimise these imbalances, a Public Administration Reform Commission has been formed to address intra-cadre discrimination. In response to the recent secretariat strike, new appointments are also being made by integrating cadre and non-cadre roles. The government has additionally introduced new privilege rules for public servants and compiled a list of secretariat officials from field-level administration. Expert Insights Commenting on the developments, former Secretary and public administration expert Abdul Awal Majumder told UNB, “There can be no ‘softness’ when it comes to restoring discipline in the administration. Without strict accountability, it’s impossible to curb corruption or negligence among those who hold the reins of the state.” He mentioned that while some critics view the special provisions of the 1979 conduct rules as draconian, they are necessary under the current circumstances. “The government can dismiss employees who are absent from work with just an eight-day notice—no PSC opinion or investigation needed,” he added. While he welcomed the government’s strict approach, Majumder stressed that enforcement was key. “Too many laws, circulars and committees have been created in the past without meaningful follow-through. Real success will depend on implementation and transparency, not paperwork,” Majumder added.

The government has once again extended the magistracy power of commissioned officers in the Army, Navy and Air Force by another 60 days with effect from July 14 (Monday). The Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification to this effect on Sunday. According to the notification, commissioned officers holding the rank of captain and above in the Bangladesh Armed Forces have been granted special executive magistrate powers across the country. Armed forces' magistracy powers extended by 60 days Military officers serving on deputation in the Coast Guard and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have also been vested with the same authority. The interim government initially granted the magistracy power to commissioned army officers on September 17 last year for 60 days to improve law and order. It was subsequently extended on January 12, March 13 and May 13 this year.

The number of contractual appointments to top administrative posts has reached an all-time high, reportedly slowing the pace of work across ministries and fuelling frustration among regular officials, according to insiders in the public administration. This growing trend has hindered promotion prospects for regular cadre officers, thereby dampening morale and reducing work efficiency across various ministries, they said. Officials in several ministries told UNB that many of the appointees had long been out of public service, and their sudden return after seven to eight years has disrupted workflow, as they often struggle to adapt to the current operational environment. Qatari PM to meet CA Prof Yunus today for bilateral talks This has also contributed to rising tensions between regular staff and contract appointees. According to the Ministry of Public Administration, there are currently 84 posts equivalent to secretaries or senior secretaries. Of these, 17 officials, including the Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary to the Chief Adviser, are serving on a contractual basis, a number unprecedented in Bangladesh’s administrative history, said several officials. Twelve officials with the rank of secretary or senior secretary are currently posted as Officers on Special Duty (OSD). The total number of OSDs in the entire administration, however, has surpassed 500, creating an additional financial burden for the government. Palak faces legal heat in Natore arms case Officials currently serving on contract include: Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid; Principal Secretary to the Chief Adviser M Siraj Uddin Mia; Home Secretary Nasimul Gani; Planning Commission Member (Senior Secretary) MA Akmal Hossain Azad; Public Administration Senior Secretary Md Mokhlesur Rahman; Roads and Highways Division Senior Secretary Md Ehshanul Haque; Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed; Expatriates’ Welfare Ministry Senior Secretary Md Neyamat Ullah Bhuiyan; Land Ministry Senior Secretary ASM Saleh Ahmed; Secondary and Higher Education Division Senior Secretary Siddique Zobair; Shipping Ministry Senior Secretary Mohammad Yusuf; and Women and Children Affairs Ministry Senior Secretary Momtaz Ahmed. Besides, ICT Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury, Land Reform Board Chairman AJM Salauddin Nagari, Planning Commission Member Kayyum Ara Begum, Alternate Executive Director at the World Bank Sharifa Khan, and Ambassador to Portugal Md Mahfuzul Haque are all serving on contract. Explaining the Surge Senior officials at the Ministry of Public Administration told UNB that many top-level officers had been kept as OSDs for years during the long tenure of the Awami League government, often sidelined for political reasons. Many were denied promotions, creating a backlog of deserving officers. Following the regime change, several of these sidelined officials were reinstated through contractual appointments. They added that numerous top bureaucrats aligned with the previous government were either sent into forced retirement or made OSDs after the interim government assumed power. Criticism from Former Bureaucrats ABM Abdus Sattar, president of the Anti-Discrimination Employees Unity Forum and a former secretary, said the administration is “crumbling under the burden of contractual appointments.” He said the current government has continued the trend set by what he termed the “fascist regime,” even reappointing some of the same individuals it had initially dismissed. “In some cases, appointments have been made without following any due process—sometimes even to foreign nationals or controversial officials aligned with the 1/11 government,” he said. Former secretary AKM Abdul Awal Majumder said excessive contractual appointments discourage officers aspiring to be promoted through the regular track. Search committee to appoint new Kuet VC, Pro-VC He also strongly criticised the OSD system, saying, “No other country has such a wasteful mechanism. It’s a massive burden on the state exchequer, as hundreds of officers draw full salaries without any responsibilities.” OSDs and Forced Retirements Currently, 12 officers holding the rank of secretary or senior secretary are OSDs, including: Md Mostafa Kamal, Md Mashiur Rahman, Md Manzur Hossain, Md Shamsul Arefin, Mohammad Salah Uddin, Md Azizur Rahman, Md Nurul Alam, Md Khairul Alam Sheikh, Farid Uddin Ahmed, Rehana Parvin, Shafiul Azim, and AKM Matiur Rahman. In January, the interim government also took action against deputy commissioners and police superintendents who had served in the controversial 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections under the Awami League regime. On 19 January, 33 such officials were made OSDs, while 22 were sent into forced retirement the following day due to their extended service record. According to the recruitment and promotion wing of the Ministry of Public Administration, many officers were labelled as BNP-Jamaat sympathisers during the Awami League’s rule and kept as OSDs for years without any specific charges. Some were even forced into retirement in silence. The previous government routinely prioritised political considerations over merit when granting contractual extensions, often as a reward for loyalty.  

Amid controversy, the government has cancelled the appointment of six members of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC). The Ministry of Public Administration  issued a gazette notification in this regard on Monday. The members were appointment on January 2. HC affirms legitimacy of interim government, cites public consensus The six members are Professor Dr. Syeda Shahina Subhan, Sabbir Ahmed Chowdhury, Brig Gen (retd) AF Jaglul Ahmed, Md. Dr. Munir Hossain, Prof. Dr. Shahnaz Sarker and Dr. Md. Mizanur Rahman. On Sunday, a group of Dhaka University students issued a 24 hour ultimatum to cancel the appointment of the six members on Sunday.

The Ministry of Public Administration has issued a stern warning to public servants, reminding them of their obligation to adhere to the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1979 and the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018. The circular, issued on the final day of the year 2024, highlighted a growing trend of demonstrations, sit-ins, strikes and other protest activities by public servants that tarnish their image and contravene established regulations. The ministry cautioned that violators would face disciplinary action for misconduct under these rules. Escalating Breaches Since October The issue first surfaced on October 5 when 25 cadre officials, under the banner of the Inter-Cadre Disparity Resolution Council, publicly rejected the Public Administration Reform Commission (PARC). Public Administration Reform Commission to recommend creating Cumilla, Faridpur divisions Their actions amounted to public dissent against government decisions, violating Section 30(a) of the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1979. This defiance escalated on October 19 when the council held a meeting at Dhaka's Tula Bhaban, further solidifying their opposition to the commission. By November 16, the council convened a divisional conference in Rajshahi, where they branded the commission as biased and demanded its reconstitution. The movement gained momentum following a pivotal announcement on December 17 by PARC Chairman Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury. He proposed excluding the education and health cadres from the cadre system and recommended a 50-50 promotion ratio to the post of deputy secretary between administration cadre officers and other cadre officials. Chaos, instability prevail in public administration as chain of command collapses A Turning Point This announcement triggered widespread unrest among public servants. On December 21, officials from 25 cadres declared a protest movement—an unprecedented act for government employees. The next day, administration cadre officials gathered at the Secretariat to submit their demands to the senior secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration. Meanwhile, heated debates and counter-statements erupted on social media. In a dramatic move, officials from the 25 cadres formed a new organisation, the Association of Senior Pool Service, on 22 December, excluding administration cadre members. This act heightened inter-cadre tensions. The following day, the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) Health Cadre Association rejected recommendations to abolish the Health Cadre, issuing a veiled threat that no cadre would exist if the Health Cadre were dissolved. Contractual appointments of two press ministers in UK and US terminated: Public Administration Ministry A Series of Unprecedented Protests On 24 December, officials from 25 cadres observed a pen-down strike for one hour.  The next day, administration cadre officials organised a protest meeting at the BIAM Foundation under the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association and the BCS Administration Multipurpose Cooperative Society. Speakers at the meeting included serving and retired officials, with some demanding the resignation of Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury within 48 hours. On the same day, officials from 25 cadres staged human chains across the country, marking a historic escalation of protest activities by public servants. Implications and Expert Opinions The ongoing violations of conduct rules by public servants, including administration cadre officials, represent a worrying breakdown of discipline within the government. Experts warn that if this trend continues, it could destabilise administrative order and degrade the quality of public services. They urge the government to address the issue with urgency to restore discipline and safeguard public sector efficiency.

Bangladesh’s public administration witnessed major turmoil and disruptions in its operations after the fall of the Awami League government in August and the chaos is not over yet as inter-cadre conflict intensified at the end of the year. Issues surrounding promotions, postings, and the appointment of deputy commissioners (DCs) and others who were reportedly deprived under the previous regime remained in discussion in the last four months and many decisions sparked controversy. The latest controversy arose following the recommendations of the Public Administration Reform Commission which has fueled significant discontent among various cadres of the civil service. Although the commission was initially formed to simplify public services it has now become entangled in disputes among officials’ own interest. On Sunday, administrative cadre officers expressed anger over the reform commission’s proposals and several hundred officers staged rare demonstrations outside the Ministry of Public Administration in protest. Education sector may get increased allocation in FY 25-26 The Inter-Cadre Disparity Resolution Council, representing 25 other cadres, has announced plans for demonstrations, including pen-down strikes, human chains, and rallies. The draft proposal recommends allocating 50% of deputy secretary positions to officials from the administration cadre and the remaining 50% to other cadres. Currently, 75% of these positions are reserved for the administration cadre and 25% for others. Chaos under the interim government The interim government, which took office on August 8 following the ouster of the Awami League government through an uprising, has yet to restore administrative discipline. Instances of disorder, such as frequent cancellation of transfer orders and inconsistencies in postings  reflect the lack of coordination. Bangladesh must boost investment to avoid economic crisis: Analysts The interim government canceled the contractual appointments made during the tenure of the previous government. Later this government appointed secretaries on a contractual basis in 14 ministries. Over the past four and a half months, the Ministry of Public Administration had to withdraw several significant transfer orders. They appointed secretaries on a contractual basis only to later cancel those appointments. Similarly, deputy commissioner (DC) appointments were made but had to be withdrawn following criticism. Slackened administrative activities Administrative activities have slowed significantly due to ongoing disruptions. Talking to UNB, officials from various ministries said normalcy may take longer to achieve under the current circumstances. BNP conveys a strong message against any ‘puppet party’ Mass promotions raise questions According to the Ministry of Public Administration, 537 officers got promoted in the past four months including 23 secretaries, 17 to grade-1, 135 made additional secretaries, 228 joint secretaries, and 134 deputy secretaries. Now questions have arisen regarding these promotion criteria, with allegations of favoritism and inclusion of officials facing graft allegations. Fear of arrest and uncertainty Fear of arrests gripped many as 12 high-ranking officials including former secretaries were arrested in the past four months. Cases have been filed against several others, further deepening tension among civil servants. Vacant secretary posts hamper activities Four critical ministries and divisions remain without secretaries -the Local Government Division, Rural Development and Cooperatives Division, Cultural Affairs Ministry, and Bridge Division which is hampering operations and their activities. The reform committee has also recommended promoting 764 previously ‘deprived’ officials to various ranks including 119 to secretary positions.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has unveiled a set of proposals aimed at reforming the country’s public administration, suggesting comprehensive restructuring to enhance efficiency and impartiality within the system. A delegation, led by Ismail Jabirullah, a member of the BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council and a member of the party's Public Administration Reform Committee, submitted the proposal to Dr Mokhlesur Rahman, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration on Sunday. BNP to hold rallies nationwide excluding Dhaka “The entire administrative structure needs to be revamped. We propose that changes be made at all levels of the administration three months prior to every election. This includes revising the process for creating the Deputy Commissioner (DC) fit list,” Ismail Jabirullah said while talking to journalists. He said the importance of addressing issues caused by employees remaining in the same positions for prolonged periods, which has led to the formation of syndicates. BNP to be accountable government, if elected: Tarique Rahman The proposals include provisions for mandatory transfers in such cases. The BNP also highlighted the need to identify and take action against officials who may have exploited their positions under previous governments, ensuring a fair and neutral administration moving forward.

Dr. Mohammad Abdul Momen, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Safety, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The government annulled his contract-based appointment as Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Safety after approving his resignation. The Public Administration Ministry issued a notification in this regard today. Dr. Momen submitted his resignation letter to the Ministry of Public Administration on December 8, which was forwarded to the Chief Adviser on Monday. His resignation was accepted, and the corresponding notification was issued. Journalist Foyez appointed Sr Assistant Press Secretary to Chief Adviser According to the notification, his remaining tenure as Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Safety has been canceled in accordance with Clause 7 of the contract signed between Dr. Momen and the government. The order is effective immediately in the public interest. It is reported that Dr. Momen will be officially appointed as Chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Wednesday, with the President expected to make the appointment. Sources within the Public Administration Ministry confirm that Dr. Momen’s appointment as ACC Chairman will be announced either today or tomorrow. In August 2017, he was appointed Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Safety under a two-year contract, and additionally, he was entrusted with the responsibilities of the Security Services Division.

Two months into its tenure, Bangladesh's interim government is encountering increasing scrutiny over delays in appointing key administrative officials. With seven secretaries still unappointed in various ministries and divisions, and a lack of deputy commissioners (DCs) in eight districts, the ramifications for governance and public administration are becoming increasingly pronounced. The void in leadership positions raises concerns about the capacity of the government to effectively implement policies and deliver services. Files circulating among civil service officials reveal a backlog of denied promotions and appointments during the previous government, which has fostered discontent among both deprived personnel and those who have recently secured promotions. The Ministry of Public Administration has shown little urgency in addressing these vacancies. The slow pace of selection and appointment for qualified officials in crucial roles has left many civil servants frustrated. Chaos over DC appointments: Committee recommends action against 17 deputy secretaries Currently, there are seven vacant secretary positions across various ministries and divisions. Despite the long wait, only three officials have been elevated to the rank of secretary. Many who were promoted to additional secretary have since retired without receiving a posting, contributing to a backlog that hampers effective governance. Among the 133 individuals promoted as joint secretaries, a mere 65 have been allocated to various ministries, while 45 remain in their previous roles. This stagnation has left additional secretaries unable to make necessary policy decisions, further complicating the governance landscape. The files for the postings of deprived personnel are reportedly circulating without action, indicating a significant delay in moving forward with appointments. Read: Experts suggest quick reforms in recruitment for transparency in administration The failure to appoint DCs is particularly concerning, as eight districts currently operate without leadership. Following a brief attempt to appoint new officials as DCs on September 10, those appointments were abruptly cancelled just a day later. This leaves the districts of Rajshahi, Natore, Joypurhat, Sirajganj, Kushtia, Rajbari, Shariatpur, and Dinajpur without any appointed officials, causing a vacuum in local governance. Although additional deputy commissioners (ADCs) continue to manage routine functions, the absence of formal leadership severely limits their effectiveness. Dr Anwar Ullah, President of the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association and Secretary of the Statistics and Information Management Division, addressed the situation, emphasising the need for suitable postings for deprived officials. “I am not saying that everyone must become a secretary,” he stated. “Besides the position of secretary, there is no barrier to becoming the DG of various departments, chairman of authorities, or divisional commissioners.” His comments reflect the frustrations felt among many civil servants who are eagerly awaiting appropriate placements. Calls for swift action are mounting from various quarters, as the administrative delays have left many qualified individuals in limbo. ABM Abdus Sattar, a former joint secretary and convener of the Anti-Discrimination Employees Unity Forum, criticised the ongoing procrastination in appointing qualified personnel. “Even after two months of the interim government, it still has not been able to appoint secretaries in two ministries and five divisions, DCs in eight districts,” he remarked. Sattar further noted that, despite the promotion of some officials, delays persist in their postings, causing significant frustration among civil servants. Read more: Interim Govt's success hinges on eradicating 'ghost of fascism' from administration: Fakhrul  “Files regarding the postings of deprived officials are being stuck at every level,” he added. “Among them, the deprived in the administration are suffering from deprivation.” His comments underscore the widespread discontent among civil servants, many of whom feel sidelined in the current administrative reshuffle. Dr Mohammad Mokhles-ur Rahman, senior secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, attempted to reassure stakeholders by stating that appointments would be expedited for the vacant positions of secretaries and DCs. “We are proceeding with the appointments in a thoughtful manner to avoid any questions,” he explained. He also expressed a commitment to prioritising the postings of deprived officials according to their qualifications. The ongoing situation reflects broader issues within the interim government's administrative framework, particularly as it seeks to navigate the transition from the previous administration. The Ministries of Shipping, and Cultural Affairs are among those lacking secretaries, while crucial divisions such as the Planning Division, Financial Institutions Division, Security Services Division, and Local Government Division also remain without leadership. The lack of a cohesive strategy to fill these vacancies poses challenges for effective governance at both the national and local levels. The eight districts without DCs are particularly vulnerable, as the ADCs struggle to maintain operations in the absence of formal leadership. The ongoing administrative void raises questions about the ability of the interim government to restore stability and deliver essential services to the public, analysts say. As the interim government continues its efforts to stabilise and reorganise the administrative framework, the pressure mounts to fill these vacancies and restore confidence among civil servants and the public alike. The next steps taken by the Ministry of Public Administration will be critical in determining the trajectory of governance and service delivery in Bangladesh, as well as the morale of a workforce eagerly awaiting recognition and rightful placement in the evolving administrative landscape.

Deputy Secretary AKM Rezaul Karim, former director of Jatiya Grantha Kendra, has been sent on compulsory retirement as he was found guilty in a rape case. Public Administration issued a notification signed by its senior secretary Mohammad Mezbah Uddin Chowdhury in this regard on Wednesday. Read more: Another police officer sent on compulsory retirement The order will come into effect immediately in public interest, the notification said. A chargesheet was submitted against Rezaul in a case filed under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act 2000 while he was director of the Grantha Kendra. On June 25 in 2019, he was suspended. He later threatened the plaintiff to withdraw the case and another case was filed over threat and physical torture, said the notification. The Public Administration Ministry initiated a departmental investigation against him and a show cause notice was served on him. Read more: Officials sent on retirement for lack of skills, patriotism: Home Minister However, the Investigative Officer did not receive a satisfactory reply to the show cause notice. The ministry later sought opinion of the Public Service Commission and the commission agreed on sending him on compulsory retirement. President Abdul Hamid later approved decision, reads the notification.