Frequent transfers and cancellations raise questions over public administration

Gazi Anowar

The Ministry of Public Administration has come under scrutiny due to the increasing trend of transferring officials and subsequently canceling those orders, raising questions about the ministry’s authority and decision-making process. Recent incidents have highlighted the challenges faced by the ministry in maintaining discipline and transparency in the transfer and posting of government officials.

One such case involves Kazi Abid Hossain, Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment. On September 27, he was appointed as the District Commissioner (DC) of Thakurgaon and was set to join his new post on Monday. However, just before his departure, the transfer order was abruptly canceled on October 7.

Shocked by the sudden reversal, Hossain was admitted to a hospital in Dhaka. Similarly, Atul Sarker, Director of the Prime Minister’s Office, had his transfer order as DC of Joypurhat canceled. These incidents are part of a growing pattern where transfer orders are issued and then revoked, often without clear explanations.

Sources within the ministry reveal that local influential figures often lobby against the transfer of certain officials, leading to the cancellation of orders. In some cases, officials themselves resist transfers if the new posting is not to their liking, exerting pressure through various channels to have their transfer orders revoked. This has led to situations where an official’s transfer order is issued and canceled multiple times within a short period, creating confusion and inefficiency in the administration.

The Ministry of Public Administration, which holds the authority for transfers, postings, and promotions under the Rules of Business, is facing challenges in maintaining its autonomy. Interference from other ministries and high-ranking officials has disrupted its normal operations, tarnishing its image and effectiveness. For instance, in the past two months, around 150 officials were transferred, but 50 of those orders had to be canceled due to various pressures.

In one notable case, Additional Secretary Abu Syed Mohammad Hashem was transferred to the Ministry of Land a year ago but never joined. His transfer was eventually canceled, and he was appointed as the Director General of the Disaster Management Directorate. Similarly, Additional Secretary Yakub Ali Patwari was transferred to the Ministry of Environment and Forests seven months ago but did not join. His transfer was canceled, and he was reassigned to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism.

The situation has become so dire that some officials have been transferred three times in a single month, only to have their orders canceled each time. This has led to criticism that the administration is being held hostage by a handful of influential officials, with postings and transfers being manipulated to serve personal or political interests.

When asked about the issue, Public Administration Secretary Foyez Ahmed stated that canceling transfer orders is sometimes necessary during administrative restructuring. However, he denied that such cancellations are widespread, emphasizing that decisions are made based on importance and necessity. He avoided commenting on whether the ministry’s authority is being undermined.