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.          

The Advisory Council has instructed an investigation into bribery allegation against the senior secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration in the appointment of deputy commissioners (DC). Three advisers have been assigned to conduct the inquiry, Sharmin S Murshid, Adviser to the Ministry of Social Welfare and Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, said during a press conference over Durga Puja at the secretariat on Thursday. The three advisers are Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Asif Nazrul and Md Nahid Islam. They will form a committee to investigate the matter, she added. Secretary Mokhlesur trashes report on bribery in DC appointment as ‘fake’  When reporters drew her attention about the government's step over the bribery claims involving the senior secretary, Sharmin Murshid said, "Yes, of course, the government will investigate. However, two points should be considered by the media. Firstly, how much of the widely circulated clip on social media is authentic, and how much could be AI-generated or manipulated? Ordinary people like us can't always differentiate. The cabinet discussed the issues, and we are looking into the technical accuracy of the information shared." She further said, "It must be investigated promptly, and we will ensure that happens." Expressing her concern, the adviser said, "It’s troubling to hear such talk about a high-ranking official. Naturally, we are concerned about this. We need to investigate why these allegations of bribery have surfaced, what their source is, and the reasons behind them. We are no longer in the analog age, which adds to our challenges. We can’t simply accept everything that appears on social media as true; we must verify it." Chaos over DC appointments: Committee recommends action against 17 deputy secretaries A vernacular daily has published a report alleging bribery involving Md. Mokhlesur Rahman, the Senior Secretary of the Public Administration Ministry, regarding the appointment of Deputy Commissioners (DCs). The report also included screenshots of the senior secretary's WhatsApp conversations. However, Mokhlesur Rahman dismissed the allegation of bribery related to deputy commissioner (DC) appointment as ‘baseless’ and labeled a recent article published in a national daily as ‘fake’.  

In a major reshuffle in the district level administration, the government on Thursday appointed new deputy commissioners to nine districts.