Dhaka, Dec 25, (V7N) – Bangladesh’s public administration is experiencing significant turmoil following the fall of the Awami League government in August, with disruptions continuing as inter-cadre conflicts escalate. These disruptions have been fueled by issues surrounding promotions, appointments, and the allocation of positions, particularly deputy commissioners (DCs), which have sparked widespread controversy.
 
The Public Administration Reform Commission, formed with the intent to streamline services, has instead become embroiled in disputes among officials, leading to demonstrations and protests from various civil service cadres. On Sunday, administrative officers expressed their anger over the reform proposals, leading to rare demonstrations outside the Ministry of Public Administration.
 
One of the central issues is a draft proposal suggesting that 50% of deputy secretary positions be allocated to officials from the administration cadre, with the remaining 50% designated for other cadres. This marks a shift from the current distribution of 75% for the administration cadre and 25% for other cadres, which has stirred discontent.
 
The turmoil comes after the interim government, which assumed office in August, failed to restore administrative discipline. Frequent cancellations of transfer orders and inconsistencies in postings have further highlighted the lack of coordination. The government has also canceled several appointments made during the previous administration, including key secretarial roles and deputy commissioner appointments.
 
Mass promotions over the past few months have raised questions about favoritism and the inclusion of officials with corruption allegations. There has been growing concern about the ongoing uncertainty, especially as 12 high-ranking officials, including former secretaries, have been arrested, adding to fears among civil servants.
 
Additionally, critical ministries remain without secretaries, hindering operations, and the reform committee’s proposal to promote hundreds of “deprived” officials, including 119 to secretary positions, has added fuel to the fire, further stoking the discontent within the civil service.
 
As tensions continue to rise, questions remain about when normalcy will return to the country’s administrative functioning.
 
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