Tuesday, 26 August, 2025
The government is set to appoint new deputy commissioners (DCs) in all districts ahead of the February 2026 national election to ensure a credible voting process. Sources at the Ministry of Public Administration said the appointments are expected to be finalised within September.
Amid past criticisms over the posting of officials who benefited during the Awami League’s tenure, the government is now exercising greater caution. Like in previous elections, the new DCs are expected to serve as returning officers. The preparation of the updated ‘fit list’ of qualified officers is reportedly in its final stages.
Officials confirmed that no controversial or politically affiliated officer will be appointed this time. Any candidate found to have secured a DC posting through deception or by concealing information will face administrative action.
On August 18, Md Sarwar Alam, a well-known executive magistrate noted for strict action against food adulteration and other irregularities, was appointed DC of Sylhet. The change comes amid allegations of large-scale stone looting in areas including Bholaganj and Jaflong.
The fit list process began on January 11 and has included six phases of interviews with 269 deputy secretaries from the 25th and 27th batches of the BCS Administration Cadre. Over 50 officers have already been included, with viva voce for the 28th batch underway.
Currently, 26 officers from the 24th batch, 25 from the 25th batch, and 12 from the 27th batch are serving as DCs. Although 21 officers from the 24th batch were promoted to joint secretary on March 20, they have not yet been withdrawn from field administration.
Earlier, on September 8, 2023, DC appointments were made in 61 districts from a fit list of 108 officers, sparking controversy as many officers claimed they were overlooked, creating internal disorder within the ministry.
Md Erfanul Haque, Additional Secretary (Appointments, Promotions & Transfers), said: “The DC appointment process is underway. The Public Administration Committee will decide the timeline, but we expect the appointments to be made soon.” Senior Secretary Dr Mokhles-ur Rahman added: “Qualified and competent officers will be placed ahead of the election to avoid any question of credibility.”
Administrative expert and former secretary AKM Abdul Awal Majumdar said: “Caretaker governments in 1991, 1996, and 2001 did not face such disorder. Current administrative weaknesses must be addressed quickly. Governance is impossible without an honest, skilled, and professional bureaucracy. There is still time to restore administration by appointing capable officers in key positions.”
The Public Administration Ministry has formed a ‘Public Administration Committee’ comprising four advisers, the Cabinet Secretary, and the Secretary of Public Administration. This body provides guidance on appointments, transfers, and disciplinary matters for divisional commissioners, DCs, joint secretaries, and higher-ranking officials. The committee makes the final decisions on DC appointments.
In February, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin instructed all 64 district DCs to enforce the law fully in their roles as returning officers in the upcoming national election.
The interim government has also acted against officials who played key roles in previously controversial elections under the Awami League. Twenty-one former DCs have been sent into compulsory retirement for their roles as returning officers in the 2014, 2018, and 2024 polls, widely criticised for alleged fraud. Additionally, 43 former DCs were placed on special duty (OSD), with those under 25 years of service made OSD, and those with over 25 years retired.
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The government is set to appoint new deputy commissioners (DCs) in all districts ahead of the February 2026 national election to ensure a credible voting process. Sources at the Ministry of Public Administration said the appointments are expected to be finalised within September.
Amid past criticisms over the posting of officials who benefited during the Awami League’s tenure, the government is now exercising greater caution. Like in previous elections, the new DCs are expected to serve as returning officers. The preparation of the updated ‘fit list’ of qualified officers is reportedly in its final stages.
Officials confirmed that no controversial or politically affiliated officer will be appointed this time. Any candidate found to have secured a DC posting through deception or by concealing information will face administrative action.
On August 18, Md Sarwar Alam, a well-known executive magistrate noted for strict action against food adulteration and other irregularities, was appointed DC of Sylhet. The change comes amid allegations of large-scale stone looting in areas including Bholaganj and Jaflong.
The fit list process began on January 11 and has included six phases of interviews with 269 deputy secretaries from the 25th and 27th batches of the BCS Administration Cadre. Over 50 officers have already been included, with viva voce for the 28th batch underway.
Currently, 26 officers from the 24th batch, 25 from the 25th batch, and 12 from the 27th batch are serving as DCs. Although 21 officers from the 24th batch were promoted to joint secretary on March 20, they have not yet been withdrawn from field administration.
Earlier, on September 8, 2023, DC appointments were made in 61 districts from a fit list of 108 officers, sparking controversy as many officers claimed they were overlooked, creating internal disorder within the ministry.
Md Erfanul Haque, Additional Secretary (Appointments, Promotions & Transfers), said: “The DC appointment process is underway. The Public Administration Committee will decide the timeline, but we expect the appointments to be made soon.” Senior Secretary Dr Mokhles-ur Rahman added: “Qualified and competent officers will be placed ahead of the election to avoid any question of credibility.”
Administrative expert and former secretary AKM Abdul Awal Majumdar said: “Caretaker governments in 1991, 1996, and 2001 did not face such disorder. Current administrative weaknesses must be addressed quickly. Governance is impossible without an honest, skilled, and professional bureaucracy. There is still time to restore administration by appointing capable officers in key positions.”
The Public Administration Ministry has formed a ‘Public Administration Committee’ comprising four advisers, the Cabinet Secretary, and the Secretary of Public Administration. This body provides guidance on appointments, transfers, and disciplinary matters for divisional commissioners, DCs, joint secretaries, and higher-ranking officials. The committee makes the final decisions on DC appointments.
In February, Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin instructed all 64 district DCs to enforce the law fully in their roles as returning officers in the upcoming national election.
The interim government has also acted against officials who played key roles in previously controversial elections under the Awami League. Twenty-one former DCs have been sent into compulsory retirement for their roles as returning officers in the 2014, 2018, and 2024 polls, widely criticised for alleged fraud. Additionally, 43 former DCs were placed on special duty (OSD), with those under 25 years of service made OSD, and those with over 25 years retired.
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