Since taking office, the new government has embarked on a swift and comprehensive restructuring of the state apparatus, with significant changes in the senior echelons of the civil service, police, and education sectors. The reshuffle has already seen new appointments to the posts of Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, and Inspector General of Police (IGP).
A total of nine secretaries and senior secretaries whose appointments were previously contract-based have had their contracts cancelled. Several other secretaries have been reassigned, leaving multiple key positions vacant and initiating a broad process of administrative reorganisation. Officials describe these measures as the first phase, with further decisions expected in the coming weeks.
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Key Vacancies and Appointments
Currently, at least twelve secretary-level positions remain vacant. Sources within the Cabinet Secretariat indicate that rapid appointments are likely to fill these posts. Changes may also extend to district-level administration, with the Ministry of Public Administration signalling a phased approach to personnel adjustments at the field level.
Notable moves include:
| Position | Outgoing | Incoming |
|---|---|---|
| Labour & Employment Secretary | Md. Abdur Rahman Tarafdar (PSC Secretary) | Md. Abdur Rahman Tarafdar |
| PSC Secretary | Md. Sanowar Jahan Bhuiyan | Md. Sanowar Jahan Bhuiyan |
| Senior Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs | Retired Secretary Monjur Morshed Chowdhury | One-year contract appointment |
| Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister | Vacant | Retired Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar |
| Inspector General of Police | Vacant | Ali Hossain Fakir (promoted from Additional IGP, APBn) |
In the civil service, the Ministry of Public Administration issued a notification yesterday transferring three secretaries to new roles: Md. Saifullah Panna (from the Prime Minister’s Office), Rehana Parveen (Secondary and Higher Education Division), and Md. Kamal Uddin (Ministry of Religious Affairs). Simultaneously, the contracts of nine secretaries and senior secretaries were terminated. Previously, Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid and Principal Adviser M Siraj Uddin Mia had voluntarily stepped down, after which Senior Secretary Nasimul Gani was appointed Cabinet Secretary.
Police and Security Leadership Changes
In the police, Ali Hossain Fakir has been appointed the new IGP, promoted from Additional IGP of the Armed Police Battalion. Officials note that further changes are possible in other senior positions, including the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner, with a focus on restoring public confidence and strengthening law and order.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Abdur Rokib has been appointed Director General of the NBR’s Central Intelligence Cell, having served previously as Commissioner of the Income Tax Intelligence and Investigation Unit.
Education Sector Restructuring
Education administration has also seen significant movements. The Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, Niaz Ahmed Khan, has submitted his resignation, prompting preparations for a new appointment. Several leadership positions across nearly fifty public universities, as well as in key bodies such as the Secondary and Higher Education Directorate and the National Curriculum and Textbook Board, are expected to be filled soon. Experts emphasise that stable and merit-based leadership is essential to sustain reform efforts.
Emphasis on Meritocracy
Administration specialists stress that while changes following a new government are natural, appointments must prioritise competence, neutrality, and merit. Past experiences have shown that during rapid reshuffles, capable officials have sometimes been sidelined due to political affiliations. The new government has pledged to uphold these principles, ensuring fair and transparent promotions and transfers across the civil service, police, and educational institutions.
As Professor Salahuddin M Aminuzzaman, former Department of Public Administration, University of Dhaka, notes, the expectation is that the current government will avoid repeating past mistakes, ensuring that changes are driven by ability rather than political allegiance.