Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner transferred for PM's protocol breach

Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner and Additional Secretary Yusuf Ali has been placed on special duty (OSD) and attached to the Ministry of Public Administration, following a transfer order issued on Tuesday.

Yusuf left Rajshahi the same day the order was issued, October 20. Deputy Secretary Jeti Pru of the Ministry of Public Administration’s O and M-1 branch signed the order.

Rezaul Alam Sarkar has been assigned to serve as acting divisional commissioner.

Yusuf Ali had been serving as Rajshahi divisional commissioner with the rank of additional secretary.

Reports have linked the administrative action to an alleged breach of state protocol and official etiquette during a reception for the prime minister in Rajshahi on Tuesday.

According to multiple sources familiar with the matter, the divisional commissioner allegedly attempted to embrace the prime minister without following the prescribed protocol during their meeting. The incident was reportedly viewed as a breach of administrative discipline, prompting the decision to place him on OSD status.

However, no official statement confirming the alleged protocol violation or explicitly establishing it as the reason for the transfer was immediately available. Relevant sources have also been reluctant to comment publicly on the matter.

Ali’s reassignment comes amid questions over adherence to official protocol during high-level government engagements.