The Ministry of Public Administration, one of the most crucial departments in Bangladesh’s government, has been without a secretary for the past 16 days. The interim government has yet to finalize a decision on who will lead the ministry, resulting in administrative stagnation and rising concerns about how long this leadership vacuum will continue.
Following the mass uprising that led to the formation of the interim government, Senior Secretary Mokhlesur Rahman was appointed as the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration on a two-year contract. However, on September 21, he was transferred to the Planning Commission — leaving the secretary position vacant since then.
Sources within the Secretariat suggest that as the national election draws closer, intense internal lobbying has begun over the appointment. Officials aligned with different political camps are reportedly pushing for their preferred candidate, as the ministry plays a central role in key administrative decisions, including the transfer and promotion of district and field-level officers.
With parliamentary elections scheduled for February next year, whoever assumes the position now will likely oversee crucial election-related administrative processes.
However, insiders also indicate that several senior bureaucrats are reluctant to take the post due to fears of political controversy. Some speculate that the government may bring in a contract-based secretary from another ministry, though this move is reportedly opposed by regular officials who insist the post should be filled from within the existing cadre.
Despite earlier expectations that a new appointment would be made immediately after Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus returned from the UN General Assembly on October 2, no decision has been made even a week later.
Currently, an additional secretary is performing routine duties, but major administrative tasks — including promotions, transfers, and financial approvals — remain largely stalled.
An official from the ministry, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Prothom Alo that they hope an appointment will be made soon, though no specific timeline has been given, as the final decision lies with higher authorities.
The post of Public Administration Secretary is among the most influential in the country, ranking just below the Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary. With national elections approaching, the importance of this ministry has only grown.
