The government sets four criteria for selecting secretaries

The interim government is looking for people who maintain financial integrity, demonstrate competence and professionalism when selecting secretaries in the administration.

In addition, those who are financially dishonest and abuse political power face compulsory retirement, The Daily Star learned from people in the cabinet and the Ministry of Public Administration involved in the proceedings.

Those who are not financially corrupt but have been the beneficiaries of political favoritism will be appointed as Officers on Special Duties (OSD).

Finally, incompetent officers who have been promoted to the position of secretary will be transferred to less important positions or remain DSOs.

Currently, there are 55 ministries and departments in the government structure, of which 24 received new secretaries following the establishment of the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus.

However, eight ministries and departments have no secretaries.

However, the secretaries of the Economic Relations Department; Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Division; Defense (IMED); Post and Telecommunications; Science and Technology; Electoral Commission; agriculture; Environment and forests; and the Department of Medical Education and Family Welfare survived the defeat because they are known for their commitment to law and regulation despite being appointed by the Awami League government.

For example, IMED Secretary Abul Kashem Md. Mohiuddin is mentioned as a respected figure, known for his integrity and skills regardless of the party in power.

Similarly, Secretary of the Election Commission Shafiul Azim took decisive action by canceling the foreign trip of the Chief Election Commissioner after the mass uprising.

There is no advisor in the Ministry of Public Administration.

“The chief adviser takes a positive view of those among the secretaries who are honest, efficient and professional,” Ali Imam Majumder, special assistant to the chief adviser, told The Daily Star.

If a credible complaint is found against someone, they are removed from office.

“This government has no political organization, so it has no one to appoint its people. The administration will be headed by secretaries who work professionally and protect the public interest,” he added.

Secretaries cited for financial misconduct or abuse of political power have been placed on forced retirement and, in some cases, face legal consequences.

For example, Home Minister Jahangir Alam, Health Services Secretary Md Jahangir Alam and Food Minister Ismail Hossain were sent into compulsory retirement.

Similarly, Tofazzel Hossain Miah, principal secretary to the prime minister, has had his contract terminated and all three are facing legal action.

Former Home Minister Jahangir Alam is already detained.

Officials accused of political favoritism, but not financial misconduct, are reassigned to less important positions.

For example, former secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, Mesbah Uddin Chowdhury, was appointed OSD.

Several current secretaries could be given similar assignments if they are deemed politically biased and without financial impropriety.

The government is considering alternative jobs for people who have not been charged with corruption but who have not proven administrative capacity.

Among them is former ICT secretary Shamsul Arefin, currently involved in a murder case.

In response to the absence of secretaries in six ministries, Public Administration Secretary Mokhles Ur Rahman mentioned the importance of selecting the most qualified officials and ensuring that candidates for promotion are assessed according to rigorous standards.

“When selecting officials, certain criteria must be followed. We won’t say everything publicly. But good officers shouldn’t worry,” he added.

Despite the government’s assurances of support for honest and competent officials, some secretaries remain concerned, especially over the recent comments of two advisers, Sharmeen S. Murshid and Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan.

Murshid, the ministry’s adviser on women and children’s affairs, suggested replacing the old units altogether.

“There was no massive rule-abiding uprising in Bangladesh. If you don’t cooperate, the government won’t follow the rules in the future. If necessary, the system will be broken and new people will be appointed,” Bhuiyan said at a press conference event in Chattogram.