Contractual appointments to high-ranking administrative positions are hindering the advancement of eligible officials to the level of secretary, causing frustration among civil servants. Out of the 70 secretaries in the civil service, approximately 20 are serving on a contractual basis, with around 10 of them holding pivotal roles within the bureaucracy.
In the past 14 months, 12 secretaries and senior secretaries have been appointed on a contract basis to significant administrative roles. Current cabinet secretary, principal secretary, public administration secretary, and home secretary positions are occupied by contractual appointees who retired nearly ten years ago.
Notably, Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid experienced a 15-year gap from regular service, retiring in 2016 after being appointed as an officer on special duty in 2009. Other officials like Principal Secretary M Siraz Uddin Miah, Public Administration Secretary Ehsanul Hoque, and Home Secretary Nasimul Ghani, among others, were also appointed on contract after extended breaks from regular service, ranging from eight to 10 years.
While contractual appointments were deemed necessary after a period of political unrest, bureaucratic insiders express dissatisfaction with this practice, citing its adverse impact on the career progression of deserving officials. The government, under pressure to fill key positions quickly, resorted to reappointing experienced officers on a contractual basis, a decision that is now facing criticism.
Former officials and public administration experts emphasize the negative consequences of contract-based appointments, suggesting that such practices should be limited to specific technical roles or exceptional circumstances. The disruption caused by appointing retired officials on contract is viewed as detrimental to the natural flow of the civil service hierarchy.
Moreover, the recent trend of transferring secretaries shortly after their contractual appointments is raising eyebrows within the civil administration, leading to further discontent among bureaucrats. This departure from the usual protocol of contract renewal or discontinuation is seen as disruptive and demoralizing for officials aspiring to climb the bureaucratic ladder.
As the government grapples with balancing the need for experienced leadership and opportunities for career advancement, the issue of contractual appointments remains a contentious topic within the civil service, with calls for a more strategic and transparent approach to senior appointments.