300 JS tipped to be Addl Secy

The government has been preparing for a major round of promotions in the civil administration, with more than 300 Joint Secretaries (JS) under consideration for elevation to the rank of Additional Secretary, one of the most influential positions in the administrative hierarchy.

The files of over 300 officials have been placed before the Superior Selection Board (SSB), which is examining their career records, previous postings, professional performance and other relevant information before preparing a shortlist.

Multiple sources at the Ministry of Public Administration said the process was progressing and promotions were expected to be announced soon.

Cabinet Division Secretary Nasimul Ghani, who heads the SSB, has already chaired several meetings to scrutinise the records of prospective candidates. More meetings are expected before the board forwards its recommendations to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for final approval. The Public Administration Ministry will subsequently issue the government orders. 

While talking to media, State Minister for Public Administration Md Abdul Bari said instructions had already been given to expedite the process. "Work has started on the promotion. Recommendations will come through the SSB. We hope meritorious and qualified officials will receive promotions," he said.

According to ministry sources, the 21st Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) batch is being considered the principal regular batch for the upcoming promotions. The officials joined the administration cadre on May 31, 2003, with around 170 of them currently under consideration. Besides, the records of more than 150 officials from 20th BCS batch and other previously overlooked candidates are also being examined.

In January this year, the interim government promoted 118 officials to Additional Secretary, taking the total number to around 400. However, approximately 180 officials from the 20th batch were reportedly left out of that exercise and are now hoping to secure promotion.

Under the Government's Deputy Secretary, Joint Secretary, Additional Secretary and Secretary Promotion Rules, 2002, an official must have served at least two years as a Joint Secretary and completed 22 years of government service to qualify for promotion to Additional Secretary. The 21st BCS batch was promoted to Joint Secretary in 2022.

Meanwhile, competition for promotion has intensified, with aspiring officials visiting SSB members and senior government officials to seek their blessings. Some have reportedly highlighted their political affiliations and past contributions to the ruling party. Officials facing controversies and departmental proceedings have also been approaching senior officials.

The ministry has 418 sanctioned posts of Additional Secretary, although the number of serving officials has fluctuated following promotions and retirements. Several important wings of the Secretariat reportedly face shortages of senior officials.

Public administration expert Mohammad Firoz Mia urged the government to ensure that political considerations and personal relationships did not influence the selection process. "An officer's professional competence, efficiency and integrity should be the principal criteria. Whether someone served as a deputy commissioner or a private secretary should not determine promotion," he said.