Commission's recommendations stir mixed reactions

The process of appointments, promotions and transfers at the top levels of public administration based on the recommendations of a high-level committee led by the interim government's advisers has generated mixed reactions among officials. Many officials fear that the changes will increase the chances for politicization in the administration and may slow down the pace of administrative activities.

Experts say that even if there is no legal barrier to appointments and transfers based on the recommendations of the advisory committee, the powers of the relevant government departments will be limited. As a result, the administrative decision-making process may become more complicated.

Formation of new committees and their effectiveness

Last month, the interim government formed three high-level committees led by advisors to advise on appointments, transfers and disciplinary matters of officials in key positions in the public administration, police and foreign ministries.

After taking office, the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus cancelled the contracts of 99 percent of the officials who were appointed on a contractual basis during the previous government. In addition, 14 retired officers have been appointed on a contractual basis, who are currently holding important positions.

Officials' reactions and concerns

A public administration ministry official said that the Public Administration Ministry's Appointment, Promotion and Posting (APD) division usually takes decisions on these issues. If the new committee's recommendations are made mandatory, the APD division's power will be reduced and questions may arise about the proper evaluation of skilled officers.

Meanwhile, although the Superior Selection Board (SSB) is responsible for promotions from deputy secretary to secretary level, it is not clear what the new committee's role will be. The lack of specific guidelines in the notification in this regard has led to confusion among officials.

Possible impact on the pace of administrative activities

Public administration expert and former additional secretary Firoz Mia said: "This step by the government may slow down the pace of administrative work. If the promotion and transfer process slows down, it will harm the effectiveness of the administration. If immediate transfers are required, that will also become complicated."

On the other hand, former secretary AKM Abdul Awal Majumder believes that these recommendations are logical. He said: "A policy framework is needed to handle the current movement for posts in the administration. However, if the secretaries play an active role, the pace of work will not slow down."

"Clear guidelines are needed to set the administration’s policies and run its activities smoothly. If there are no clear instructions about the role and powers of the new committee, instability and complications may arise in the administration. Now it remains to be seen how the administration can make effective decisions by implementing this new system."

The Public Administration Commission, formed to reform the state, will submit its report to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday (February 5). Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, said that the Public Administration Reform Commission and the Judiciary Reform Commission will submit their reports on Wednesday. The commission has already finalized two reports.