Some field-level officials of the government have created much criticism by delivering some indiscreet comments in favour of the government or ruling Awami League. Actions are being taken against these officials. Considering the situation, field-level officials are becoming more alert in their work especially while speaking to the public. Many officers are taking advice from the seniors on how they will handle the pre-polls situation.  

Jamalpur Deputy Commissioner (DC) Imran Ahmed was hugely criticized over his speech seeking reelection of ruling Awami League for another term. Later, the election commission officially asked the government to take action against Imran Ahmed, subject to verification of the facts. The government has withdrawn Imran Ahmed and he has been appointed to the expatriates' welfare and overseas employment ministry.

Contacted, Mymensingh Divisional Commissioner Ommey Salma Tanzia said the ministry has already taken a decision regarding the DC of Jamalpur.  

State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain told Bangladesh Pratidin that sometimes the government and the ministry face embarrassing situations for indiscreet comments by the officials. All government officials are sent to the field level by giving them many kinds of training. But some officials become ‘slip of the tongue’ in some cases, which is embarrassing.

“Officials should be more careful to speak to the public,” he added.      

The state minister also said, “We are taking action against such officials in the administration. I say to the field officials that you should be more restrained in talks and work with professionalism. Our ministry always briefs these matters to the officials.” 

Meanwhile, DCs of other districts are maintaining extra caution while addressing public functions or formal programmes. A DC of the Khulna Division told Bangladesh Pratidin that he has to attend various functions daily. “I took the decision that I won’t say no more than two minutes at a programme. If I say more, I might make mistakes,” he added.  

Another DC of Dhaka Division said, “Despite many kinds of training, we could make mistakes. But we are trying to be more careful. If an officer is withdrawn at the beginning of the job, it hampers the whole career. I take suggestions from the seniors. A secretary sir always gives me advice on many issues.”        

On the other hand, several DCs of the Chattogram Division said sometimes some officials mistakenly utter such words. They said they are very shocked by this incident ahead of the next election and taking a lesson about future works.  

A DC of the Rangpur Division said, “Suggestions of our seniors who worked as deputy commissioners are more effective. As the post is very important in the district, we have to be careful.” 

Former bureaucrats also do not support seeking votes for a party or individual by government officials.  

Former cabinet secretary Ali Imam Majumder said the government has taken and is taking actions if officials breach the service rules. 

Another former cabinet secretary Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan said, “Seeking vote and support a party is a violation of the public service rules. Responsible officers are being transferred. This is one kind of punishment.”

Mentioning that field officials will have to be more cautious in all matters ahead of the next parliamentary election, Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan said, “I think other officials will be alert after Jamalpur incident. Field officials will have to be neutral and they have to acquire the confidence of the people.”  

Recently, some other officials sought to vote for the ruling party candidates and participated in the election campaigns. Two officers-in-charges (OCs) of Camilla’s Nangalkot police station and Dewanganj police station in Jamalpur have been criticized for seeking votes for the Awami League and they have been transferred.

Earlier, the Liberation War Affairs Senior Secretary conducted a campaign announcing himself as an MP candidate breaching public service rules. He, later, has been made Officer on Special Duty (OSD) on July 11.

@ The article was published on print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on September 18, 2023 and has been rewritten in English by Golam Rosul.