Dhaka, June 27 (V7N) — The Ministry of Agriculture has temporarily suspended three officials from the agriculture cadre after preliminary investigations substantiated allegations of misconduct and violation of service rules. The suspensions were formalized through a government order issued on Tuesday.
 
The officials suspended are:
 
Dr. Muhammad Mahbubur Rashid, former Deputy Director (Administration) of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), recently transferred to Meherpur Horticulture Center,
 
Mohammad Golam Mostafa, Seed Certification Officer, Moulvibazar district,
 
Md. Rezaul Islam (Mukul), Additional Deputy Director of DAE in Habiganj.
 
According to the official notice, the suspensions were issued under Rule 30(a), (b), (c), and (d) of the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1979, and Rule 3(b) and 3(e) of the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018. Citing Section 39(1) of the Government Service Act, 2018, the ministry has also confirmed that the officials will receive subsistence allowances during their suspension.
 
Ministry sources revealed that these officials were involved in activities deemed “politically motivated and disruptive,” especially after August 5. They allegedly identified themselves as “pro-BNP” and participated in a series of protests, including sit-ins, press briefings, and even road blockades, primarily in protest of Dr. Rashid’s transfer order.
 
The Ministry further alleged that their behavior created significant disorder within the Department of Agricultural Extension, especially at the Khamarbari compound in Dhaka. Following the issuance of transfer orders, these officials allegedly threatened their newly appointed replacements, disrupted routine administrative functions, and publicly objected to their transfers through media briefings—actions seen as breaches of neutrality and professional conduct expected from government employees.
 
The suspension order, signed by Agriculture Secretary Dr. Md. Emdad Ullah Mian, noted that the decision was based on “initial evidence and supporting documentation.” A detailed investigation is now underway, and disciplinary measures against other officials found involved in similar misconduct are expected.
 
A senior official at the ministry emphasized the seriousness of the matter:
 
“Maintaining neutrality and discipline in the civil service is of utmost importance. No individual has the right to destabilize administrative processes under the pretext of political or personal affiliations.”
 
He added:
 
“This incident will serve as an example, deterring others from attempting to create chaos in response to legitimate administrative decisions.”
 
END/MRB/SMA/