Admin officials blast reform commission, want head’s removal in 48hrs

Administration cadre officials, including retirees, have vented anger at the Public Administration Reform Commission, accusing it of sowing discord between cadres instead of pursuing genuine reforms, and have called for the removal of its head within 48 hours.

At a protest meeting today (25 December), they also called for the establishment of the Bangladesh Administrative Service by merging all administrative posts, from assistant secretaries to secretaries.

Tensions escalated after the reform commission proposed a 50% promotion quota for deputy secretary posts from the administration cadre and 50% from 25 other cadres. 

Currently, 75% of promotions to the post of deputy secretary come from the administration cadre, with 25% allocated to other cadres.

At today's meeting, organised under the banner protesting a "Deep conspiracy to destabilise the country by directing public administration reforms to different sectors" at the BIAM Auditorium in the capital, strong opposition to the commission's activities was highlighted.

A large number of former and current administration cadre officials, including those who joined since 1973, participated in the meeting, with district administrators, upazila nirbahi officers, assistant commissioners (Land), and other officials joining online.

ABM Abdus Sattar, president of the BCS (Administration) Welfare Multi-purpose Cooperative Society Limited, in his speech called for the removal of Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, head of the reform commission.

"We want his removal within 48 hours. Otherwise, the administration cadre knows how to arrange for his removal," he warned.

Sattar also demanded the establishment of the Bangladesh Administrative Service, stating, "We do not want to see the existence of any more cadres. The Bangladesh Administrative Service must be established."

During an event on 18 December, Muyeed Chowdhury also said the commission has decided to recommend promotions to the posts of deputy secretary and joint secretary through examinations.

Commission's proposals have sparked inter-cadre conflicts, with administration cadre officials voicing strong opposition, fearing reduced promotion opportunities.

Earlier, on 22 December, administration cadre officials staged demonstrations at the secretariat.

Similarly, 25 other cadres outside the administration have also demanded promotion to the post of deputy secretary based on merit, calling the commission's recommendation unacceptable. 

To support this, an organisation called the "Inter-Cadre Inequality Elimination Council," consisting of representatives from the 25 cadres, is organising a series of actions. 

Yesterday (24 December), officials from these cadres held a one-hour strike. The organisation has planned a human chain in front of their offices across the country on 27 December, followed by a central rally in Dhaka on 4 January.

At Wednesday's meeting, various officials expressed strong opposition to the Public Administration Reform Commission's proposals. 

ASM Saleh Ahmed, senior secretary to the land ministry, dismissed the commission's proposal, saying, "This commission's recommendations will not be of any use. It will remain in the dustbin," and urged officials to remain united.

Manjur Ahmed Chowdhury, a former chairman of the National River Conservation Commission, criticised the reform commission's proposal, stating it fails to address the need to curtail political influence over the administration. 

He argued that the commission is fostering conflict between different cadres and suggested that if it cannot contribute positively, it should be dissolved.

Md Anwar Ullah, president of the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association, firmly stated that there will be no quotas for promotions within the administration cadre. 

He added that any unwarranted recommendations from the reform commission will not be accepted, emphasising that individuals from outside cannot be placed in administrative positions. 

He called for promotions to be based on established rules and for those who have been deprived of positions to be given the respect they deserve.

Other officials voiced similar concerns: Mahmud Hossain Alamgir from the 1973 BCS batch argued that promotion through exams is illogical, while Abu Yusuf, a retired joint secretary, emphasized the need to focus on freeing the administration from political entanglements and corruption. 

Mashiur Rahman from the 1985 batch criticised the commission's members, highlighting ongoing corruption cases and conflicts of interest. Zakir Hossain Kamal from the 1986 batch demanded the restructuring of the commission and removal of officers who joined the deputy secretary pool through the 25% quota.

Shamim Al Masum, another officer from the 1986 batch, called for a broader reform of the state structure, asserting that the administration is integral to the sovereignty of the state. 

Hafizur Rahman, former secretary and an officer of the 9th BCS, questioned the efficiency of officers from other cadres and suggested research into their performance.

Tanvir Ahmed, deputy commissioner of Dhaka district, emphasised the need for reforms in the state structure to improve efficiency, accountability, and impartiality. He pointed out that these reforms have not been implemented.

He pointed out that the promotion of administration cadres relies on reports from low-ranking intelligence agency employees, leaving those who are deprived as victims of these assessments.

Tanvir also highlighted the lack of authority for deputy commissioners to create annual confidential reports (ACRs) for superintendents of police and for UNOs to inspect police stations, creating an imbalance between the force and the administrative authority.

Sohel Rana, a senior assistant secretary working in the Power Division, said during service, the responsibilities assigned to each cadre are clearly defined, making any further demands on this matter unnecessary. 

He also argued that the demand for merit is illogical, as those who score well receive recommendations for the administration cadre. He pointed out that in countries like India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, the administration cadre is responsible for policy formulation, while other cadres handle the implementation.

The programme was conducted by Planning Commission member Mahbub Hossain, with Md Helaluzzaman and SM Zahurul Islam, both from the 1981 batch, speaking.