Dhaka: The interim government has mandated the retirement of 22 former Deputy Commissioners (DCs) who served as district administrative chiefs during the contentious elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024, conducted under the previous Awami League administration.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, separate notifications from the Public Administration Ministry, published on its website, indicate that a total of 23 former DCs have been placed on compulsory retirement. This action is in accordance with the service law permitting the government to retire employees after 25 years of service. The list includes a senior secretary, two secretaries, 18 additional secretaries, one joint secretary, and a deputy secretary.
Senior Secretary M Mokhles Ur Rahman explained in a press briefing that the retirements were due to the former DCs’ roles as returning officers during the controversial elections. Rahman noted that an additional 43 former DCs, who also served during these elections, have been designated as officers on special duty (OSD) and reassigned to the public administration ministry.
Rahman emphasized that none of these officers took a stand against the electoral malpractices they oversaw. He attributed the current situation to the Awami League’s three successive terms in power, suggesting that the government heavily relied on these deputy commissioners during the elections.
In response to questions about the timing of this decision with the upcoming election, Rahman stated, “We want to send a message to the DCs: when serving as returning officers, you must act courageously, adhering to the law without fear.”
Addressing potential punitive measures for higher-ranking officers such as secretaries or additional secretaries, Rahman revealed that there is an ongoing process to investigate allegations of corruption and legal violations against some officers. “They too will face punitive actions under the service rule,” he affirmed.
A committee, comprising four advisers, the cabinet secretary, and the senior secretary of public administration, has been established to oversee these matters. Rahman noted that this committee has made several key decisions, including the retirement of certain officers.
When queried about which election years were relevant to the retirements, Rahman clarified, “Let me say 2014, 2018, and 2024. Since the 2014 elections were conducted long ago, only four officers from that year are involved.”