United News of Bangladesh

The recent reshuffle and appointments of district commissioners (DCs) in 52 districts ahead of the national elections have sparked fresh controversies, raising concerns over neutrality, election management and administrative credibility. Experts warn that politically influenced appointments in field administration could pose risks and undermine trust in governance. Although no major financial irregularities have surfaced in the recent appointments, several civil servants perceived as beneficiaries of the Awami League government have been entrusted with crucial administrative roles, reigniting debate within the bureaucracy. Rizvi alleges govt appointing members of an Islamic party as DCs, SPs According to sources, officials who previously served as personal secretaries (PS) to ministers and secretaries under the Awami League government were among those promoted. Appointments in Kurigram and Rangpur districts have drawn criticism from senior bureaucrats, as selection committees reportedly had not recommended these officers. It is alleged that the placement of party-affiliated and controversial officers in key districts is a ‘strategy to control the electoral field’, intensifying the ongoing debate over DC appointments. Over the past week, the government reshuffled DCs in three phases. Government appoints new DCs in 23 more districts On the night of November 13, 23 new DCs were appointed through two government notifications covering nine districts in one and 14 in the other. Earlier, on November 8 and 9, the interim government appointed DCs in 15 and 14 districts respectively, though some appointments were later canceled. The latest appointments have sparked renewed criticism within the bureaucracy as seniority, experience, and recommendations from the Senior Selection Board (SSB) were allegedly overlooked. Similarly, appointments of officers with limited field experience but strong ties to Awami League have raised fears over election management and increased discontent among qualified and senior bureaucrats who were bypassed. Govt appoints new DCs in 14 more districts Several controversial appointments including those in Gazipur, Noakhali and Madaripur were later canceled amid criticism over political affiliations and past irregularities. Former secretary and public-administration expert Abdul Awal Majumder said prioritising political loyalty in DC appointments threatens the neutrality of the administration. “This poses the most serious risk. DCs serve as the chief executives of field administration during elections and the transparency and peaceful conduct of the polls depend heavily on their impartial behaviour,” he said. Dhaka, Khulna among 15 districts that get new DCs  “The Public Administration Ministry must reassess this appointment process immediately. If experienced and neutral officers are not prioritised, divisions within the administration will deepen further, ultimately harming the quality of state service,” he added.          

Despite repeated calls for administrative reform, much of the bureaucracy reportedly remains dominated by contractual officials, leaving career officials disheartened over limited decision-making power and stalled promotions. “From the Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary to the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, at least 20 key ministries and departments are currently headed by secretaries on contract,” said a frustrated official wishing anonymity. Even within the seven-member Superior Selection Board (SSB) which recommends promotions, four of them are contractual appointees, he said. Many of these officials, he said, have returned to the administration after spending nearly a decade away, creating confusion, stagnation and deep dissatisfaction among regular officers. “Their decisions are influencing promotions, postings and appointments, while their long absence from mainstream administration has led to a loss of continuity and coordination,” the official lamented. Meetings, gatherings inside Secretariat banned; permission required after 6pm Administrative expert and former secretary AKM Abdul Awal Majumder told UNB that while some contractual officers are performing well, many are failing to deliver as expected. “Contractual appointments are holding back the promotion of regular officers, which has caused anger and frustration,” he said, adding, “Opportunities should be given to capable new officers, and the administration should move forward through regular promotions.” According to government data, 71 senior officers are currently serving, including 20 on contract in senior secretary and secretary positions. They include Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid, Principal Secretary M Siraj Uddin Mia, Public Administration Senior Secretary Ehsanul Haque, Home Ministry Senior Secretary Dr Nasimul Gani, Planning Commission Member Dr Mokhles Ur Rahman, Women and Children Affairs Senior Secretary Momtaz Ahmed, Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, Expatriates’ Welfare Senior Secretary Dr Md Neamat Ullah Bhuiyan and Land Ministry Senior Secretary ASM Saleh Ahmed, among others. Calm returns to Secretariat area as students finally leave after day of drama Other contractual appointments include Dr Md Mahfuzul Haque, now Bangladesh’s ambassador to Portugal, and Begum Sharifa Khan, serving as Alternate Executive Director at the World Bank — both holding secretary-level ranks. Several officials from various ministries told UNB that many contractual secretaries, having been away from the core administration for years, are struggling to adapt to current practices. Some reportedly continue to follow outdated administrative methods and have formed tight networks around their own BCS batch (1982), limiting opportunities for younger and more qualified officers. Insiders say that discipline has not returned to the civil service even after the fall of the Awami regime. Corruption, irregularities, favouritism and abuse of power remain widespread, while political influence in appointments to key posts continues to surface. Following the July uprising, incidents of confrontation during the appointment of Deputy Commissioners (DCs) were reported, including one case where a senior official of the Ministry of Public Administration was allegedly locked inside a washroom. Recent controversies also involve the politically influenced appointments of the Education Secretary and Public Administration Secretary. One senior party leader reportedly held a secretariat meeting with the Cabinet Secretary to retain administrative control, a move widely discussed within bureaucratic circles. Allegations have also surfaced against the then Public Administration Secretary, Dr Mokhles Ur Rahman, over irregularities and financial dealings in DC appointments. He was later transferred to the Planning Commission in September, replaced by Ehsanul Haque, another officer serving on contract. For nearly two decades, the Ministry of Public Administration has not remained without a secretary for even a single day. After a vacancy of about a month, the Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Department under the Ministry of Education has been appointed. However, the increasing number of contractual reappointments is now eroding trust and morale within the service, according to the officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. The shortage of skilled officers at the field level particularly for DC positions has become more evident, highlighting the growing strain on the administrative system, they added.  

The Upazila administration of Companiganj  on Saturday gave a three-day ultimatum to return stones that were robbed from local quarries and hidden in different places  during a public meeting in the Companiganj Upazila Parishad hall with local residents. Officials said that if anyone is found keeping the stones after three days, strict legal action will be taken against them. Padmasan Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Overall) of Sylhet, attended as the chief guest chaired by Companiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Robin Mia. Special guests included Companiganj-Goainhat Circle ASP Abdullah Al Noman, Upazila Agriculture Extension Officer Abdul Matin, O.C. (Investigation) of Companiganj Police Station Sujan Chandra, Secretary of Companyganj Press Club Abdul Jalil, Sylhet BNP Adviser Advocate Kamal Hossain, Amir of Companiganj Upazila Jamaat-e-Islami Maulana Faizur Rahman, Ishaklas Union Chairman Sajjad Hossain Saju, General Secretary of Stone Importers Group Nazrul Islam, President of Crush Mill Owners’ Association Abdul Jalil, President of Stone Traders’ Association Abul Hossain, General Secretary of Khelafat Majlis Hafiz Masum Ahmed, and Convenor of Gono Adhikar Parishad Liton Mahmud, and many others. Sada Pathor spot to be brought under 24/7 CCTV surveillance: Sr Secy Mokhlesur Rahman Moderated by Companiganj Upazila Women Affairs Officer Shibli Atika Tinny, speakers at the meeting said that since Companyganj is a stone-rich area, quarries should be leased following traditional methods for stone extraction, or stopping illegal stone extraction will be difficult. Traders demanded an end to harassment of those importing or crushing stones legally, and restoration of electricity connections to crushing mills. Chief guest Padmasan Singh said, “We need your co-operation to return the stones to their original places. Following the district commissioner’s instructions, residents of each ward should return the stones within three days. If anyone fails to comply, legal action will be taken.” He added that announcements about this would be disseminated through public microphone from Saturday afternoon.

Officials who held key positions in the administration during the Awami League (AL) regime are now under heightened intelligence surveillance, sparking concerns about potential transfers and being made officers on special duty (OSD). The recent decision to place former Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Superintendents of Police (SPs) and secretaries under surveillance has triggered tensions in the administration. Several officials working in various ministries and departments of the Secretariat told UNB that officials and employees who were in significant roles under the AL government are now in fear of being designated as officers on special duty (OSD) or being forced into retirement. Particularly, those who served as DCs, SPs and secretaries are now under scrutiny, as a major reshuffling within the administration is imminent. Dialysis Crisis: Manikganj Hospital left with only one working machine Bureaucratic Discontent Officials who had served in the Prime Minister’s Office, Cabinet Division, Ministry of Public Administration, Ministry of Home Affairs, Local Government Division, personal secretaries to ministers, and divisional commissioners are increasingly anxious, sources said. The recent developments have further exacerbated fears of instability in the promotion and transfer process within the administration. Former DCs involved in the controversial elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024 are particularly under the microscope. The interim government is taking punitive action against them. So far, 65 officers have either been sent on retirement or made OSD.  Among these, 22 former DCs (currently holding positions such as secretaries, additional secretaries, joint secretaries, and deputy secretaries) have completed 25 years of service and are being forced into retirement. Besides, 33 former DCs have been designated as OSD, and 12 more former DCs have already been made OSD earlier. Several secretaries have also been sent into OSD or retirement. After six years of struggling to find a job, Zahid finds success in strawberry farming Crackdown on Corruption The government is intensifying its efforts to probe officials linked to corruption during the AL government's tenure. According to official sources, action will be taken against officers who amassed illegal wealth during their time in power. Even those who have retired are not beyond the radar of investigation. A source at the Ministry of Public Administration told UNB that the government’s advisory committee has compiled a list of many officials who have worked in key government departments over the past 17 years. "Many officials who served as personal secretaries (PSs) to ministers during the last three terms of the AL government have already been made OSD. Decisions regarding them will be made shortly," said the source. Government Push for Efficiency Despite these measures, the desired level of momentum and efficiency has not yet returned to the administration. Due to lack of coordination, several high-level appointments, including secretaries, PSC members and DCs, are being canceled. To resolve this issue and streamline the process, the government has formed an advisory committee led by the finance adviser to manage promotions and transfers. Retrospective Benefits for Deprived Officials In an effort to address the grievances of officials who were deprived of promotions during the BNP-era and subsequently went into retirement, the government has formed a high-level committee led by former finance secretary Zakir Ahmed Khan. This committee has been tasked with compensating these officers. A total of 764 officials have been granted backdated promotions and financial benefits. These include 119 promoted to the position of secretary, 528 to additional secretary, 41 to grade-1, 72 to joint secretary, and 4 to deputy secretary. Importers ‘hoarding goods’ at Chittagong Port to create artificial crisis Changes Expected in DC Positions Changes are also on the horizon for the DC positions. The government plans to appoint new DCs from the 24th batch of BCS officers. A new list of eligible candidates is being prepared by removing controversial officials, marking a significant shift in the local administration. Bigger Reshuffle in the Works There are reports of a significant reshuffling of officials across various ministries and departments. Vacant secretary positions in several ministries and divisions will be filled by regular officers from within the administration. Officials who held key positions under the previous government will gradually be moved to less significant roles or made OSD. Government’s Official Statement Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Mokhlesur Rahman confirmed the ongoing investigation into the DCs who were in charge of the returning officers during the 2024 elections. "We have provided the full list of those involved in the 2024 elections to the intelligence agencies. Based on their findings, those with less than 25 years of service will be made OSD, while those with more than 25 years of service will be forced into retirement," he said. Regarding DCs involved in the 2014 and 2018 elections, Mokhlesur said, "Those who have been made OSD or forced into retirement will face legal action if there are allegations of financial corruption. Others will not. Even after retirement, if there are allegations of corruption, there will be no exceptions. Cases will be filed with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).” The senior secretary assured that the government would not engage in injustice or biased actions. “If any officer involved in the elections during the Awami League's time is proven guilty, the advisory committee will decide on their matter. Decisions regarding OSD and forced retirement will be based on their crimes. However, the government will not engage in injustice against anyone,” he said.

Dhaka University (DU) administration will launch a temporary financial assistance programme for female students who cannot stay in university halls due to accommodation crisis. Starting next month, each eligible student will receive Tk 3,000 per month under this programme. DU Treasurer Professor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury shared this information during a press conference held at the Professor Abdul Matin Chowdhury Virtual Classroom, near the Vice-Chancellor's office, on Wednesday. Textbook distribution to be completed by Feb: Press Secretary  He said that the university lacks adequate accommodation facilities for female students. Although the university has taken various initiatives to address this issue, the process takes time. In response to student needs, DU will start the financial assistance programme as a temporary measure. "This assistance may not be a large amount, but it will help the students to some extent. All students who have not been allotted a seat will receive this assistance,” added the treasurer.  The university is also working on constructing new halls, and temporary bunk beds have already been installed.  Professor Jahangir Alam also said that the Chinese  Embassy in Bangladesh has confirmed the construction of a hall for 2,500 female students.  Teachers should be honored with the highest status: Hasnat Abdullah DU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Sayma Haque Bidisha said that building the necessary infrastructure will take some time, but the administration is working diligently to alleviate students' hardships in the meantime. The financial assistance programme will provide temporary relief, allowing students to stay elsewhere. DU Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed, Dr. Abdullah-Al-Mamun, Chairperson of the Provost Standing Committee, and other female hall provosts, were present at the time, among others.  

Senior BNP leader Dr AZM Zahid Hossain on Wednesday called on the interim government to identify common enemies and purge the administration of collaborators with autocratic the regime, aiming to counter ongoing conspiracies and meet the expectations of people. “Don’t attempt to disrupt unity. We must keep the unity intact by identifying common enemies and promptly ensuring that people can exercise their rights,” he said while addressing a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club. The programme, titled “The 31-Point of State Structure Reform: Perspective of the Textile Sector,” was organised by Jatiyatabadi Textile Engineers of Bangladesh. Dr Zahid, also a BNP standing committee member, alleged that the Awami League government had recruited thousands of its leaders and activists into law enforcement agencies and the administration and many of them still retaining their positions. Pointing at the government, he said, "If you fail to identify and remove the accomplices of past autocratic regimes hiding within you and the administration, untoward incidents will persist, and you will not be able to contain them." The BNP leader said country’s people are unconditionally supporting and cooperating with the Dr Muhammad Yunus-led government. "You must take timely, decisive, and appropriate decisions. Otherwise, the accomplices of autocrats lurking within the administration will try to reassert themselves and mislead you. So, you have to break their poisonous teeth,” he said. Interim govt weakest in history, election needed by 2025: BNP leader Dr Zahid said the BNP, in collaboration with other democratic parties, outlined the 31-point reform plan to rebuild the state structure, which he claimed has been destroyed by the Awami League through misrule and repressive policies. The BNP leader expressed disappointment over an adviser’s remark that politicians have done nothing for the country in the past 53 years. “No one can deny the contributions of politicians, especially those of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, to the nation’s progress.” Dr Zahid said the BNP, in consultation with other democratic parties, outlined the 31-point reform plan to rebuild the state structure, which he claimed was destroyed by the Awami League through misrule and repressive policies. The BNP leader expressed disappointment over a remark by an adviser that politicians have done nothing for the country in the past 53 years. “No one can deny the contributions of politicians, especially those of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia, to the nation’s progress,” he said. He also said the BNP was the first to present the Vision 2030 and the 31-point reform plan, offering an outline to overhaul the state structure when no one else thought about such reforms. Dr Zahid suggested that the advisers should focus on being active against the cohorts of Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic regime, rather than targeting politicians and political parties. “True politicians always think of public welfare. We don’t do politics merely to gain power, as our main aim is to establish the rights of the people,” he said. BNP leader Amir Khasru calls for election soon to tackle mounting challenges Zahid called upon the government to understand the aspirations of the people and take steps to hold a credible election, restoring the people’s lost rights swiftly. “Only then will the people appreciate you, and history will embrace you.” He alleged that the media outlets of the neighbouring country have been engaged in spreading false propaganda against Bangladesh as part of a conspiracy. The BNP leader, however, said the runaway autocrat, who siphoned off huge amounts of money abroad, crippled the economy, and repressed and harmed people in various ways, has no chance of returning to power in Bangladesh, just like Hitler and Lakshman Sen. “So, empower the people, who will decide which direction the country will take, who the country will retain, and what Bangladesh will look like in the future,” Zahid said.

Any effort of the interim government will not succeed if the “ghost of fascism” is not eradicated from the administration, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said on Saturday. Speaking at a discussion on the occasion of World Teachers' Day, Fakhrul highlighted the state of the country's administration. The discussion was organised by the teachers-employees union at Institution of Engineers Bangladesh (IEB) auditorium in the capital’s Ramna. Refering to the interim government, Fakhrul said that the fascist regime, which had long oppressed the people, engaged in corruption and looting with the support of these "ghosts," who remain entrenched in the administration. BNP reiterates call for fair elections to ensure democratic Bangladesh "These ghosts must be eliminated; otherwise, you won't be able to achieve anything," he added. Regarding the timing of elections, he said, “We will certainly allow time, but it must be reasonable. The people of Bangladesh believe in democracy. A parliamentary government should be established through free and fair elections, and that government must lead the nation.” "We do not support depoliticisation. We reject the idea of 'minus two' formula, as well as any resurgence of radicalisation, militancy, or terrorism. What we truly desire is a healthy, liberal democratic system in the country," he said. Fakhrul added, "That’s why we have entrusted the interim government with this responsibility. We believe these individuals are qualified and capable, and we urge them to act with urgency." Expressing optimism, the BNP leader said, "We have never failed. We emerged victorious in 1952, '69, '71, and in 1990 under the leadership of Begum Khaleda Zia. Our movement is now being led by Acting Chairman Tariq Rahman. Inshallah, we will win again this time." Regarding nationalisation of teachers, Fakhrul said, "Nationalisation alone will not solve all your problems. We need to enhance the quality of education and bring in qualified individuals." Fakhrul against banning Awami League "Let me emphasize this: teachers should not be involved in party politics. They need to stay away from political affiliations; otherwise, our educational institutions will suffer," he observed. "You might not like this, but I know the Awami League has influenced everything—from the peon to the president of the governing body. We must move beyond this situation and create a positive environment in our educational institutions. We should focus on bringing in individuals who are connected to the community, educated, and capable of making a difference. If this is done sincerely, then change will follow; otherwise, it will remain elusive," he said. Reflecting on the potential for new possibilities in the country, the BNP Secretary General said, "I am an optimistic person. We will forge national unity with everyone and establish true people's rule in this country. We will fulfill the dreams of Madam (Khaleda Zia) and Tarique Rahman." Interim Government must announce an election roadmap: Hafiz Uddin During the meeting, leaders of the teachers-employees union, including Chowdhury Mugis Uddin Mahmud and Zakir Hossain, as well as Nurul Haque Nur, convenor of the Gono Odhikar Parishad, spoke. The meeting was presided over by Salim Bhuiya, president of the teachers-employees union.