Major Overhaul Coming To Administration

Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, Dr. Mokhlesur Rahman, has announced that several secretaries may be reassigned or removed when the Chief Advisor returns to the country.

He indicated that new Deputy Commissioners (DCs) would be appointed quickly for the eight districts that currently lack them, and those DCs who fail to prove their capabilities might also face removal. Changes could also occur at the Assistant Commissioner (AC) and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) levels.

Public administration experts emphasize the importance of appointing qualified individuals based on past performance. They warn that changing decisions after appointments sends the wrong message.

After being in power for 15 years, the Awami League government was ousted during a mass uprising, leaving the interim government with the tough task of restoring order to the administration. Several secretaries have already been sent into retirement, and the contracts of 11 secretaries have been canceled, resulting in some ministries currently lacking secretaries. Meanwhile, some former beneficiaries remain in various ministries.

The public administration secretary stated that new appointments will be made in the secretariat and departmental leadership once the Chief Advisor returns. Some secretaries will be reassigned.

District Commissioners (DCs) play a crucial role in local administration. New DCs have begun work in 51 districts, but due to complaints, the appointments of DCs in eight districts were canceled the day after their appointment, leaving these districts under temporary management. Additionally, some officials at the deputy secretary level have expressed dissatisfaction and complaints regarding the new DC appointments.

Former Secretary A.K.M. Abdul Awal Majumdar remarked that decisions should be made thoughtfully. He believes that once a decision is made, it should not be changed, as doing so sends a negative message. The government is attempting to reorganize, and he anticipates that everything will be settled within the next month.

Secretary Mokhlesur Rahman also stated that the government is committed to restoring the chain of command in administration. The activities of the Administrative Reform Commission will commence on October 1.