Controversy resurfaces over DC appointments ahead of election
The recent reshuffle and appointments of district commissioners (DCs) in 52 districts ahead of the national elections have sparked fresh controversies, raising concerns over neutrality, election management and administrative credibility.
Experts warn that politically influenced appointments in field administration could pose risks and undermine trust in governance.
Although no major financial irregularities have surfaced in the recent appointments, several civil servants perceived as beneficiaries of the Awami League government have been entrusted with crucial administrative roles, reigniting debate within the bureaucracy.
According to sources, officials who previously served as personal secretaries (PS) to ministers and secretaries under the Awami League government were among those promoted.
Appointments in Kurigram and Rangpur districts have drawn criticism from senior bureaucrats, as selection committees reportedly had not recommended these officers.
It is alleged that the placement of party-affiliated and controversial officers in key districts is a ‘strategy to control the electoral field’, intensifying the ongoing debate over DC appointments.
Over the past week, the government reshuffled DCs in three phases.
On the night of November 13, 23 new DCs were appointed through two government notifications covering nine districts in one and 14 in the other.
Earlier, on November 8 and 9, the interim government appointed DCs in 15 and 14 districts respectively, though some appointments were later canceled.
The latest appointments have sparked renewed criticism within the bureaucracy as seniority, experience, and recommendations from the Senior Selection Board (SSB) were allegedly overlooked.
Similarly, appointments of officers with limited field experience but strong ties to Awami League have raised fears over election management and increased discontent among qualified and senior bureaucrats who were bypassed.
Several controversial appointments including those in Gazipur, Noakhali and Madaripur were later canceled amid criticism over political affiliations and past irregularities.
Former secretary and public-administration expert Abdul Awal Majumder said prioritising political loyalty in DC appointments threatens the neutrality of the administration.
“This poses the most serious risk. DCs serve as the chief executives of field administration during elections and the transparency and peaceful conduct of the polls depend heavily on their impartial behaviour,” he said.
“The Public Administration Ministry must reassess this appointment process immediately. If experienced and neutral officers are not prioritised, divisions within the administration will deepen further, ultimately harming the quality of state service,” he added.