48 citizens urge interim govt, cadres to prioritise national interest

A group of 48 citizens, living at home and abroad, have appealed to the interim government and all cadre services to refrain from seeking their temporary gains and instead withdraw their movements in the country's interest.

"It is time to play a vital role by contributing to discussions on how the nation can benefit from these reforms," they said in a joint statement coordinated by Bangladesh Research Analysis and Information Network (BRAIN).

The "concerned citizens" issued the statement in the context of "anti-reform activities" of administration cadre employees.

It is regrettable that public-sector employees are creating various obstacles to reform instead of focusing on their responsibilities, the signatories of the statement said.

"Their actions are reminiscent of the fascist era. The fallen regime granted unprecedented power and privileges to administrative cadres to maintain control over the nation," the statement read.

Now, when the entire nation supports reforms, they said certain figures in the administration are attempting to obstruct progress in a despicable manner.

"We, the undersigned concerned citizens, protest this. Instead of uniting for the country's interests, our cadres have consistently united for power and privileges, holding the nation hostage," the statement reads.

They are the architects of the Jantar Mancha of 1996 and the illegal elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024, said the signatories.

Referring to a White Paper, the "concerned citizens " said their bureaucrats rank first in corruption and foremost in constructing houses in Begum Para.

"It is high time we unite for the greater good and end this cycle of self-serving actions.

Regrettably, this government has not held anyone accountable and has rewarded many with unjust promotions, labeling them as deprived," they said.

The lack of punishment has emboldened these cadres to conspire against the government, violating Section 30 of the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, the statement mentioned.

By law, they are obliged to accept any government decision, said the signatories, adding that they must uphold the principles of accountability to ensure transparency and fairness in their government, according to the statement.

"We urge the government to thoroughly investigate this matter, excluding any indemnity, by the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018."

They firmly demanded an inquiry into those responsible for destroying documents related to corruption in the recent fire in the secretariat.

In a fair and equitable Bangladesh, the statement mentioned, the elite class known as the 'cadre' perpetuates discrimination in various areas.

For this reason, the signatories said, they express their support for public administration reforms and the country's citizens.

"We must also ensure that the Bangladesh Administrative Services Association, which opposed the July Revolution, a significant political event, does not persist in its mischief in the new Bangladesh," the statement reads.

If this country is to survive, it needs a modern public administration system grounded in the principles of justice. Reforms are necessary to achieve this, they said.