18 sub-registrars selected by lottery for key Dhaka offices

The Law Ministry has for the first time selected 18 sub-registrars through a lottery for potential posting at key sub-registry offices in Dhaka, in a move aimed at bringing greater transparency to the appointment process.

The 18 officials were picked from 131 sub-registrars serving at “A” category offices across the country.

However, the lottery only shortlists officials, while final postings will depend on their experience, skills and office workload.

The lottery was held at the conference room of the Law Ministry on Tuesday (October 6).

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman, Law Secretary Liaquat Ali Molla, senior ministry officials, and representatives of the Directorate of Registration and sub-registrars were present there.

According to the ministry, sub-registry offices in Dhaka are considered highly sought-after or “prize” postings. The lottery system has been introduced to make the process of assigning officials to these positions more transparent and reduce the scope for undue influence.

Minister Asaduzzaman said sub-registrar postings have long been surrounded by negative perceptions, particularly allegations of irregularities and influence in securing postings at important stations.

The lottery initiative, he said, is intended to break alleged syndicates and minimise opportunities for discrimination and favouritism in the posting process.

The officials selected in the lottery are Md Golam Mortoza of Rupganj, Narayanganj; Amaik Babu of Satkhira; Farida Akter of Chandpur; Ajoy Kumar Saha of Chuadanga; Amit Mangal Chakma of Chattogram; Md Russel Mallik of Kushtia; Gobinda Saha of Narsingdi; Md Masum of Pirojpur; SM Abu Musa of Brahmanbaria; Naznin Jahan of Satkhira; Mohammad Hanif of Cumilla; Manisha Roy of Thakurgaon; Singh Mong Thowai of Chattogram; Rajib Majumder of Tangail; Ali Azgar of Munshiganj; Sharmila Ahmed Shampa of Manikganj; Amina Begum of Jashore; and Tinu Chakma of Chattogram.

The ministry said 372 sub-registrars are currently working across the country, while another 139 posts remain vacant.

Recruitment is underway to fill the vacant positions, the ministry added.

The minister said workloads vary significantly among Dhaka’s sub-registry offices. Therefore, officials selected through the lottery will undergo further assessment before being assigned responsibilities based on their ability to handle the workload of particular offices.

On allegations of corruption and irregularities against sub-registrars, Asaduzzaman said action would be taken against any official if specific evidence is found. At the same time, no official would be subjected to harassment without proper evidence, he said.

He added that officials found involved in corruption while performing their duties would not be allowed to remain in important postings.

The ministry also plans to gradually extend the lottery-based system beyond Dhaka to other important stations considered “prize postings” across the country.