DC Appointments Reignite Controversy, Fuel Administration Resentment

As the national election approaches, the government has transferred and newly appointed Deputy Commissioners (DCs) in 29 districts. However, this deployment has once again raised questions of neutrality, competence, and political loyalty.

There are allegations that most of the appointments have been limited to officials who are controversial and are considered close to the Awami League. This is escalating fears regarding neutrality and the electoral environment, alongside resentment within the administration. Experts also fear increased risk and a lack of confidence in the field administration.

Many view the appointment of Awami League-affiliated and controversial officials to the DC posts just before the election as a ‘strategy to take control of the electoral field.’ Consequently, the controversy surrounding DC appointments in the public administration is not receding—in fact, it is intensifying as the election draws nearer.

Several former officials of the Ministry of Public Administration and the Cabinet Division, who are currently serving in other ministries, stated that at least 10 to 12 officials who benefited from the Awami League government have been given responsibilities in the field administration right before the election.

Furthermore, three officials from the Economic Cadre, despite lacking experience in field administration, have been appointed as Deputy Commissioners. In addition, officials considered unqualified, with virtually no relevant experience, have also been appointed as DCs. They believe that this not only creates a significant risk for the field administration during the election period but also exacerbates the plight of deserving and deprived officials.

The government has appointed Azad Jahan, whose video chanting the slogan ‘Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu’ went viral on social media, as the Deputy Commissioner of Gazipur. He previously served as the DC of Bhola. This Awami League-affiliated official is accused of amassing hundreds of acres of land for a fish farm in his area through corruption. Despite this, his appointment as the DC of the crucial Gazipur district during the election period has caused dissatisfaction within the administration.

Similarly, Deputy Secretary Afsana Bilkis, who has shared photos and messages of the Awami League and members of the Bangabandhu family on social media, has been appointed as the Deputy Commissioner of Madaripur. On various occasions, she has shared photos of Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Rehana, and even Tulip Rizwana on her Facebook. Her public display of political affiliation as a government official has drawn criticism within the administration.

On the other hand, Sharmin Akter Jahan, the former DC of Narail, has been made the DC of Brahmanbaria. Immediately after being promoted to Deputy Secretary, she and some pro-Awami League officials took an ‘oath in the ideals of Bangabandhu’ after placing flowers at Bangabandhu’s shrine. She also faces accusations of financial irregularities and issuing fake freedom fighter certificates while serving as the DC of Narail.

Saiful Islam, the Deputy Commissioner of Feni, has been appointed as the Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram. Saiful Islam has worked in various important stations during the Awami League government’s tenure, including the Finance Division, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Bagerhat, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Munshiganj, and Senior Assistant Commissioner of the same district. This Awami League beneficiary official was the chief guest at a reception ceremony for an Awami League leader immediately upon joining as the DC of Feni. His appointment has also sparked controversy.

In addition, at least three officers from the Economic Cadre—who have limited experience working in field administration—have also been appointed as Deputy Commissioners.