Employees' Unity Forum calls for cancellation of promotions, postings of pro-AL bureaucrats

A group of former and current public administration officials under the banner of "Anti-Discrimination Employees' Unity Forum" has demanded the cancellation of all promotions and postings of bureaucrats favoured by the ousted Awami League government.

At a press conference held at the National Press Club today, the organisation presented a five-point demand, calling for a more neutral, transparent, and accountable civil administration. 

The written statement was read by the forum's President, ABM Abdus Sattar, a former joint secretary.

He told The Business Standard that he was made an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in 2018 and later retired in that position. 

However, after the change in government on 5 August, he was promoted to the rank of secretary as part of an initiative to address the grievances of sidelined officials. 

He is currently serving as the personal secretary to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

He alleged that many bureaucrats who collaborated with the Awami League regime or engaged in corruption are still being promoted and assigned to key positions. 

"To ensure a neutral administrative structure, all contractual appointments must be annulled, and those complicit in past repression must be removed and brought to justice," he said.

Citing recent promotions, Sattar pointed to the elevation of several officers from the 24th BCS administration cadre to joint secretary positions. 

"Shockingly, 185 eligible officers were denied promotion without explanation, while individuals who had served as deputy commissioners or ministerial personal secretaries under the Awami League regime were promoted," he said.

He warned that unless pro-Awami officials are removed, a merit-based and accountable bureaucracy cannot be established.

The forum's written statement claimed that many sidelined officials had actively supported or were involved in the mass student-public uprising in July and August, and that they had expected their long-standing deprivation to end with the fall of the "fascist regime."

"Though the interim government has taken some commendable steps to address discrimination, eight months have passed since the regime change, and many grievances remain unaddressed," said Sattar.

The forum also alleged that some advisers to the interim government were being misled by pro-Awami officials through the spread of false information, resulting in the continued suppression of competent but marginalised officers. 

"In some cases, these advisers have even issued DO (Demi Official) letters to install Awami loyalists in top positions," the statement added.

The forum warned of tougher action if their demands are not met promptly.