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.
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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.
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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 Similarly, deputy commissioner (DC) appointments were made but had to be withdrawn following criticism.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.
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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.