March 21, 2025
DHAKA – We are concerned about the prevailing sense of inertia and stagnation within the administration despite more than seven months passing since its formation following the mass uprising. According to a report by this daily, the public’s expectations for swift and dynamic governance have yet to be met, for which multiple factors are responsible. While part of it was beyond the control of a non-political government with a short lifespan—inheriting as it did a deeply dysfunctional system riddled with obstacles—its failure to steamroll through them with tact and firmness is also largely to blame.
Reportedly, one of the most significant disruptions in the administration has been the frequent transfers. For instance, since August 5, the regulation wing of the public administration ministry alone has seen at least four additional secretaries being appointed and then transferred in quick succession. Such inconsistency undermines the continuity and on-the-job experience needed to ensure effective governance. Equally problematic has been the effect of contractual appointees, many of whom were brought back from retirement and seemingly have little incentive to push for change while long-serving officers, deprived of promotions due to their presence, continue to feel disconnected and demoralised. One statistic that perfectly captures this chaotic shake-up combining transfers, promotions and contractual appointments is that, out of the 81 secretaries, 25 were appointed during the previous government while 56 by the current administration, including 17 on contract. This overhaul has not had the outcome intended.
Critical reforms that could have been implemented with mere administrative directives remain stalled. Our correspondent spoke to a dozen bureaucrats, ranging from deputy secretary to secretary in five ministries, who acknowledged that the lack of order, coordination, motivation, or accountability is having an effect on even routine tasks. For example, despite an Advisory Council directive on January 30 to review the quota system, no proposal has been presented to the cabinet to date. Similarly, the transfer of the Land Registration Office from the law ministry to the land ministry, a move that could improve efficiency, remains unaddressed. The absence of strong and regular engagement from top officials has also contributed to this inertia. Reportedly, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has held only one secretary-level meeting and visited the Secretariat only once since taking office. In such a vacuum, officials have defaulted to a passive stance.
This needs to change. The interim government was entrusted with stabilising the country and setting the stage for long-overdue reforms, especially in the administrative system. Allowing bureaucratic apathy and inactivity to persist will only erode public confidence in it. The authorities must take steps to ensure that all departments and offices are held accountable regularly, and that mechanisms are implemented to ensure that officials at all levels work collaboratively to serve citizens.