16 officials stand-released for unauthorised absence during state minister's surprise visit

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority and BIWTC have taken immediate administrative action against 16 officials and employees for being absent without permission and arriving late to work. Among them, 13 have been stand-released and three have been transferred.

The information was disclosed in a press release signed by Ministry of Shipping Public Relations Officer Kazi Arif Billah on Friday, May 22.

State Minister for Shipping Md Rajib Ahsan recently made surprise visits to various government offices in Barishal and Dhaka. During these visits, he found several officials and employees absent from work without prior permission. Many were also arriving at the office significantly late.

In response, 13 officials and employees from BIWTA's Barishal office were stand-released with immediate effect, including nine from the Dredging Division, two from the Marine Conservation and Management Division, one from the Port and Transport Division and one from the Accounts Division. Three officials and employees of BIWTC were transferred to other stations on charges of negligence.

Expressing displeasure at such irresponsible behaviour in government offices, the state minister ordered immediate action against those responsible.

The state minister has instructed all officials and employees under the ministry to be present at their offices on time and perform their duties responsibly. He also said such surprise visits will continue in the future to ensure discipline, accountability and quality of service in government offices.