An investigation committee - formed to probe a ruckus involving a number of public administration ministry officials centring the appointment of 59 deputy commissioners early September - has recommended punishment for 17 deputy secretaries.
Making the disclosure at a press conference held in the Secretariat on Monday, Ministry of Public Administration Senior Secretary Md Mokhlesur Rahman said, “There was unrest in our ministry on December 10.
“A one-member committee headed by Health Services Division Senior Secretary MA Akmal Hossain Azad was formed in this regard. We have received his report on the matter. We also have reports from various intelligence agencies, and eyewitnesses.”
Mokhlesur continued, “Akmal Hossain questioned 17 people. He recommended measures that could be implemented in three phases. As for eight persons, severe punishment can be given following certain procedures subject to investigation.
“Regarding four people, it is recommended that subject to investigation, light punishment can be given according to regulations. And regarding five people, it is recommended that they should be reprimanded, with a warning against such behavior.”
Mokhlesur pointed out, “These are our findings. There are many stages, and investigating this matter is time-consuming. It can be seen that many got involved, and many did not. We must take into consideration every angle.”
Stating that action will be taken as per the committee’s recommendations, Mokhlesur said, “The nation and people want to know. No one took the ruckus over DC appointments amicably.
“Not our senior colleagues, not our junior colleagues. The public did not take the matter positively either.”
The senior secretary added, “Many are saying that if we do not tackle this matter with firm hands, if we do not take adequate measures, our administration will collapse. There will be no discipline.
“A major aspect of administration is discipline. To do whatever is necessary to maintain order... I am not above the law, none is above the law, legal action will be taken. Under the Government Employees Discipline and Appeal Rules 2018, severe and light punishments will be handed down.”
Providing further details, Mokhlesur said, “There was a joint secretary, and he has already been transferred as additional divisional commissioner of Sylhet. He overacted, for which immediate action has been taken. We will act, we cannot overact.
“All 17 officials - who are facing punishment - are of the rank of deputy secretary, and there is no need to know the names of these officials.”
The recent appointment of new Deputy Commissioners in 59 districts by the interim government led to extreme dissatisfaction among the “deprived” officials.
The angry officials of the rank of deputy secretary, who were expecting to be appointed DC, went to the Ministry of Public Administration on September 10 and voiced their resentment.
The officials engaged in a scuffle among themselves and argued with their superiors. Eyewitnesses say the Secretariat had never before witnessed such a commotion.
