New Controversy Erupts Over NESCO’s Promotion Policy

A new controversy has arisen within the Northern Electricity Supply Company PLC (NESCO) regarding its recent proposal for a promotion policy for officials. According to internal sources, NESCO’s management has introduced a proposal to determine seniority between the Mechanical and Electrical cadres based on a “ratio-based” formula, a move that contradicts the existing merit and seniority-based (score-based) system. The proposal has triggered significant discontent among employees and raised both legal and administrative concerns.
In Bangladesh, promotions and seniority determinations for non-cadre officers in state-owned and autonomous bodies are governed by established regulations — including the Non-Cadre Recruitment and Promotion Rules, 2016, the Government Service (Appointment, Promotion and Transfer) Rules, and organization-specific Service Rules and Administrative Circulars. These frameworks emphasize written or oral examination scores in promotion processes, with no mention of any ratio-based quota between departments. However, NESCO’s Seniority Committee has recently proposed introducing such a ratio system for promotions — a departure from the policies followed by other power distribution entities such as DPDC, DESCO, and the Rural Electrification Board.
Many NESCO officials have described the proposed system as “discriminatory and unlawful.” They argue that seniority should be determined strictly on the basis of examination scores and merit, not departmental ratios. Employees fear that, if implemented, this change could deprive many competent and experienced officials of due promotion, leading to a decline in morale and adversely impacting overall organizational performance.
Amid the growing debate, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has begun investigating the issue. A two-member ACC team led by Deputy Director Md. Sohanur Rahman has already sent a formal letter to NESCO’s management, requesting documentation and clarification. The letter specifically seeks explanations regarding possible irregularities in the recruitment of Assistant Engineers and potential financial mismanagement in various expenditures. The ACC has urged the company to ensure full compliance with relevant legal procedures.
When contacted, NESCO officials denied any wrongdoing in determining seniority. They stated that the proposal is still under committee review and awaits final approval.
Administrative experts warn that any deviation from government-approved frameworks in the promotion policy of an autonomous body may not only create administrative confusion but also foster discrimination and resentment among employees. They note that seniority determination is not merely an internal administrative matter; it is a question of employees’ rights, justice, and institutional integrity. Hence, policymakers and authorities should ensure that the issue is resolved transparently and in strict adherence to government regulations.
Observers further caution that if NESCO enforces the proposed ratio-based promotion system, it could lead to long-term dissatisfaction among employees, disrupt workplace harmony, and expose the organization to legal challenges. Additionally, ongoing investigations by the ACC could damage NESCO’s institutional reputation. In such circumstances, experts suggest that NESCO’s leadership should prioritize fairness, transparency, and compliance with established government policies to reach a just and universally acceptable resolution.