Bangladesh’s civil administration is currently facing an acute crisis, driven by widespread dissatisfaction over promotions, transfers, and partisan interference. Allegations of favoritism, politically influenced appointments, and long-term neglect of qualified officers have created deep divisions and growing unrest within the bureaucracy.

Many officials describe a toxic and discriminatory environment, alleging that political loyalty has long outweighed merit—especially during the Awami League’s prolonged tenure. Despite hopes for reform after recent student-led protests and the rise of an interim government, insiders report that politicization remains rampant. Instead of impartial restructuring, a faction reportedly sympathetic to Jamaat-e-Islami is gaining ground, causing alarm among senior officials previously aligned with the Awami League.

This evolving landscape has raised concerns that controversial figures from prior governments could receive protection or amnesty if the interim regime or the emerging National Citizens’ Party (NCP) gains political traction. Within this volatile context, two senior bureaucrats—including the Secretary of Labour—are under scrutiny for their roles in shaping recent appointments and policy directions.

Further tensions are expected as the Anti-Discrimination Employees’ Unity Forum prepares to accuse five government advisers of misconduct. One adviser’s husband reportedly holds a high-level position in an institution linked to former State Minister Nasrul Hamid Bipu. Another adviser, formerly an academic, allegedly used her influence to secure public sector jobs for close associates.

Nahid Islam, the convener of the National Citizens' Party, recently stated that the BNP has placed its loyal supporters in every position of the administration. Under such circumstances, they will not participate in the election. However, he later added that if the interim government undergoes full reform, they will take part in the national

At the same time, numerous Awami League-affiliated officials report facing forced retirement or reassignment as Officers on Special Duty (OSD), despite years of service. On the other hand, BNP-aligned officers claim they’ve been blocked from promotions for nearly two decades due to ideological bias, regardless of their qualifications and experience.

More alarmingly, some allege that a group of Jamaat-affiliated officials is now systematically sidelining Awami League loyalists. This ideological rift has severely undermined trust and cooperation within the civil service.

The promotion process has become a flashpoint. Disadvantaged officers accuse the Principal Secretary to the Chief Adviser, the Cabinet Secretary, and the Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration of withholding long-overdue promotions. A selection committee led by controversial former secretary Zakir Khan is under fire for allegedly advancing favorites, despite serious accusations of corruption and authoritarian behavior.

Suspicion also surrounds the use of “DNA tests”—a euphemism for covert political vetting—in hiring and promotions. Initially used during the Awami League’s rule, such practices allegedly continue under the current administration to favor Jamaat-aligned candidates. As a result, frequent changes to appointments and ignored government notifications have fueled administrative stagnation.

Frustration is mounting. Many civil servants say they’ve been recommended for promotion by the Superior Selection Board (SSB) but never received confirmation. Despite repeated appeals to the Ministry of Public Administration, they’ve seen no resolution, while fresh appointment orders continue to roll out, worsening the situation.

Dr. Md. Suratujjaman, a former aide to the BNP Chairperson, labeled the system a “one-ideology game,” replacing the previous political maneuvering with dominance by a single faction—eroding the core neutrality of the bureaucracy.

Responding to criticism, Dr. Md Mokhlesur Rahman, Senior Secretary at the Ministry of Public Administration, stated that twelve deserving officers were recently selected for promotion. He also confirmed that several Deputy Commissioners implicated in election controversies have been retired or made OSDs, with corruption suspects to be referred to the Anti-Corruption Commission.

The education sector is also under stress, with reports of Jamaat-linked individuals receiving key appointments despite the fall of the previous regime. Dr. Anwar Ullah, former President of the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association (BASA), warned that unless partisan loyalists are removed from powerful positions, instability will persist.

Controversial new secretary-level appointments in seven ministries, including Commerce, have drawn fresh criticism. Observers claim some newly promoted officials benefited from political favoritism and rapid promotions due to their loyalty, not merit.

Disillusioned officials are now calling for the immediate removal of partisan figures and a return to transparency and neutrality. The recent forced retirement of 22 Deputy Commissioners involved in disputed elections is seen by some as progress—but many question whether this is enough to address deep-rooted systemic dysfunction. Bangladesh’s civil administration is facing a crisis of confidence. Years of politicization, opaque decisions, and ideological bias have eroded morale and trust. Without urgent reforms that prioritize merit and impartiality, the machinery of government risks further breakdown. The future of the civil service—and public faith in state institutions—depends on restoring fairness, transparency, and professional integrity.