Last Wednesday, Public Administration Ministry took a crucial step to address a significant issue by appointing a one-member probe committee led by Health and Family Welfare Ministry's Senior Secretary MA Akmal Hossain Azad. The decision, however, is taken against the backdrop of a seriously disturbing incident within the Ministry's APD (Appointment, Posting, and Deputation) Wing, which has exposed grave flaws in its administrative processes.
However, the crisis began with controversial appointment of 35 new Deputy Commissioners (DCs) on September 10. This decision triggered an astonishing backlash from over 60 Deputy Secretaries from three BCS admin cadres, highlighting systemic problems in the appointment process. The protests resulted in violence, including assaulting of senior officials, revealing a major discontent between administrative decisions and expectations of cadre officers.
In response, the Public Administration Ministry cancelled the appointments of 8 DCs and changed postings of 4 others. While these actions addressed the immediate fallout, they reflect a reactive rather than proactive approach to deeper issues. The abrupt cancellations, including those of Sufia Akter Rumi of Laksmipur and Saiduzzaman of Joypurhat, indicate significant instability and a lack of coherence in the appointment process, raising serious questions about decision-making procedures.
The probe committee, which has a seven-day deadline to submit its report, is vital for restoring order and transparency. However, the Ministry must ensure that the investigation goes beyond surface-level issues and tackles the root causes of these administrative failures. A thorough review is needed to address systemic problems and prevent similar issues in the future.
The withdrawal of key officials, including Divisional Commissioners Sabirul Islam and Md Jakir Hossain, along with the reassignment of Director General Md Abdus Samad as Officer on Special Duty (OSD), underscores the severity of the situation. While these actions may be attempts to de-politicize and stabilize the administration, they also raise concerns about the effectiveness of the Ministry's internal controls and oversight mechanisms. It is crucial that these changes lead to meaningful improvements in governance.
In order to address these issues effectively, the probe committee's findings must lead to substantive reforms in the administrative framework. The appointment process needs an overhaul to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability. The recent events have highlighted the urgent need for a robust system to handle grievances and prevent future incidents.
The appointment of MA Akmal Hossain Azad to lead the investigation is a positive step. However, swift and effective implementation of recommendations is essential. This incident should serve as a catalyst for necessary reforms in public administration, reinforcing the principles of meritocracy and fairness.
While the immediate crisis has been addressed, the Public Administration Ministry faces the challenge of rebuilding trust and credibility through transparent and equitable practices. The ongoing probe and subsequent reforms will determine if this setback leads to stronger, more effective governance.
