Dhaka, Oct 26 (V7N) – More than two months into its tenure, Bangladesh’s interim government is facing challenges with administrative inertia, slow decision-making, and non-cooperation from certain government officials. Recently, two advisers voiced their concerns regarding the lack of cooperation, which has delayed critical decisions and services.
Sharmin S. Murshid, Adviser to the Ministry of Social Welfare, Women, and Child Affairs, highlighted at a recent event in Dhaka that bureaucratic resistance has slowed down the disbursement of October allowances to approximately 100 million economically vulnerable citizens. Additionally, Labor Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan questioned the reluctance of government officials to take decisive action on commodity price controls and tackle market syndicates during a meeting in Chittagong.
Since the interim government took office, significant changes in the administrative structure have been implemented. High-level officials appointed under the previous government have been reassigned, contracts canceled, and over 500 officials were promoted to key positions, including Additional Secretary, Joint Secretary, and Deputy Secretary. However, seven secretary-level posts and eight deputy commissioner (DC) positions remain vacant, while several experienced officers were overlooked for promotion, raising concerns about workforce management.
Public administration expert Dr. Feroze Mia observed that shifting recruitment and promotion decisions have fostered uncertainty and tension among officials. According to him, those seeking long-term contract extensions face frustration, while newly appointed officials grapple with instability due to shifting administrative priorities. He also noted that advisers, overseeing multiple ministries, may find it challenging to provide comprehensive direction to secretaries and officials promptly.
Despite these challenges, Labor Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan is optimistic about the progress being made. He emphasized that officials are more engaged in fieldwork, noting the increased market presence of secretaries, which he said was unprecedented in the past decade. The labor adviser added that officials are now being closely monitored on their performance and integrity, with the prospect of contract renewal contingent on their efficiency.
Adviser Bhuiyan also emphasized the role of the Administrative Reforms Commission, which aims to create a professional and impartial administration to support the interim government's goals of national stability and development.
END/MSS/AJ
Comment: