Shake-up in administration: AL-era officials under surveillance

Government seal

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.

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.

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.

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 OSDs.

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. -UNB