Deprived government officials have expressed utter dismay as the officials who were loyal to the ousted government are still holding important posts from field level to the central administration.
Sources in the administration say that most of the government officials, including secretaries who played vital role during the anti-discrimination student movement directly or indirectly, were promoted, causing the commotion among the deprived ones.
The commotion deepens further as the deprived officials, who have got promotion recently, have not yet been posted elsewhere.
“The officials, who have exercised their power during the Sheikh Hasina-led government, are still holding key positions of the administration. It has created a furore in the administration,” a senior official told the Bangladesh Post on Wednesday preferring anonymity.
The official alleged that several government officials, including secretaries, are trying to instigate chaos and sabotage across the country as associates of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“Some secretaries and officials who have served purposes of Sheikh Hasina are still in the administration with their influence,” the official added.
The issue turned worst recently following exclusion of their names from a circular issued by the Public Administration Ministry for posting new deputy commissioners (DC).
They alleged that many appointments were made through bribery.
According to the sources in the secretariat, many deprived officials accused Joint Secretary KM Ali Azam of handling Tk 2 crore for some DC postings.
Around Tk 25 crore in bribes was taken for appointing some controversial officials as DCs, deprived officials alleged.
Amid the furore over DC posting, the government on Tuesday formed a two-member committee to look into the allegation brought against two secretaries of the Public Administration Ministry of taking a cash cheque worth Tk 3 crore for posting of a deputy commissioner.
Deprived officials also alleged that some officials of the ousted government are still serving important positions in different ministries, including Chief Adviser’s Office.
These officials are creating obstacles in carrying out administrative works smoothly.
It is learnt that six divisional commissioners, appointed during the last regime, are still holding their positions. Even, there has been no change in the posts of the additional divisional commissioners.
Asked about the commotion of the officials for the delay in posting, Public Administration senior secretary Moklesur Rahman told reporters that the situation improved a lot. “Work is underway to make posting of the promoted officials,” he said.
Over unrest in the field level administration, he said, “The administration has been filled with dishonest and incapable officials. We are trying to appoint eligible officials in the divisions. It will take some time.”
Public administration ministry sources say that locals of some districts, including Dhaka, through human chain programmes urged the government to withdraw DCs as they do not want to accept newly appointed DCs to their districts.
People allege that some officials try to bring the administration face to face with people through their controversial activities.
Instead of serving the public interest, they directly stood beside a particular political party, they claim.
