Kamruzzaman Bablu :
As part of the ongoing public administration reform initiative, the government is set to appoint at least 13 new deputy commissioners (DCs) in 13 districts across the country, sources have revealed.
According to the Ministry of Public Administration, new DCs are expected to be appointed within the next two to three days.
An official from the ministry’s Field Administration-2 branch, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that a notification in this regard is likely to be issued by the end of the week.
The ministry has undertaken this initiative to ensure the smooth functioning of DC offices in various districts.
Sources within the ministry stated that the reshuffle is aimed at enhancing transparency and supporting the current interim government.
A list of at least 13 officials has been prepared to replace several DCs who have been identified as problematic.
Among the districts affected, Rangamati, Bandarban, and Khagrachhari remain without appointed DCs following allegations of financial corruption in the previous round of appointments.
Reports suggest that bribes were exchanged even before the finalisation of the candidate shortlist.
The government has now decided to appoint new DCs in these vacant districts.
Additionally, new DCs are expected to be appointed in Chattogram, Gopalganj, Gazipur, Nilphamari, Satkhira, Chandpur, and Meherpur in the coming days.
Md Babul Mia, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, confirmed the upcoming changes, stating, “Transfers and replacements of government officials are part of a routine process.
The ministry may appoint new officials in some districts as part of its administrative decisions.”
In October 2024, a list of 60 officers from the BCS 24th batch (administration cadre) was compiled for potential DC appointments, with another 60 officers scheduled for interviews in subsequent phases.
However, the process was marred by allegations of corruption, with reports claiming that bribes were exchanged during the appointment process.
A significant scandal emerged when two joint secretaries from the Ministry of Public Administration were implicated in irregularities involving the appointment of DCs.
A Tk 3 crore cheque was discovered in the office of one of the joint secretaries, prompting the government to form a three-member probe committee to investigate.
A report published in a Bengali daily, titled “DC’s Appointment Through a Cash Cheque of Tk 3 Crore”, highlighted the issue, leading to official action. Further reports suggested that cheques amounting to Tk 15 crore were collected from five DC aspirants, raising concerns over the integrity of the appointment process.
The transition to the interim government has led to widespread changes across public and police administration.
Many officials perceived to be aligned with the previous government have either resigned or been transferred.
Officers and employees across various government offices, including the Secretariat, are actively seeking promotions and new appointments, leading to significant internal restructuring.
These efforts are widely seen as an attempt to replace officials who were appointed under the previous Awami League-led government. During that administration, many officials were allegedly involved in irregularities and abuses of power, creating discomfort and public resentment.
Following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government on 5 August, due to a student and public uprising, the interim government assumed office on 8 August. Since then, it has initiated major changes in public administration to address past governance challenges and improve transparency.
