Cases to be filed against OSD, retired DCs involved in financial irregularities: Secy

Intelligence agencies are currently gathering information on deputy commissioners (DCs) who were either forced into retirement or made Officers on Special Duty (OSD) due to their roles in the 2024, 2018, and 2014 general elections, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Mokhlesur Rahman stated today (23 February).

"Legal action will also be taken against those accused of financial irregularities," he said while speaking to reporters at the secretariat.

He further explained, "Investigations are being conducted through various agencies as well as our internal system. Only verified cases will be forwarded to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC)."

After reviewing intelligence reports, a four-member committee will make final decisions on the matter.

"The government has acted neither unjustly nor with bias against anyone. Decisions were made solely in the interest of the state," he added.

In recent days, the interim government has taken actions against DCs for their roles under the previous Awami League government. As part of these measures, two secretaries, one additional secretary, and 21 DCs have been sent on compulsory retirement. Additionally, 45 DCs have been made OSDs. If financial irregularities are found against them, their cases will be forwarded to the ACC for investigation.

He also noted, "Those who have been subjected to misinformation or are not involved in any wrongdoing but were temporarily made OSDs can continue their normal lives. No innocent officer should face punishment or humiliation."

Mokhlesur Rahman mentioned that intelligence agencies are also reviewing information on returning officers (ROs) responsible for the 2024 parliamentary elections. Once reports are received, they will be carefully examined before any decisions are made.

"A committee led by four advisers is overseeing this process. All matters will be thoroughly analyzed, and decisions will be made strictly according to rules and regulations," he assured.

The government will finalise its decisions after reviewing intelligence reports through the Advisory Council's committee. Only cases involving allegations of financial irregularities will be sent to the ACC, he added. 

Depending on the severity of the allegations, some officials were made OSD or sent into compulsory retirement. However, the government is committed to ensuring fairness in all cases, he emphasised.

Meanwhile, nine additional secretaries from various ministries are set to be promoted to secretary positions soon.

He clarified that these promotions were determined based on merit and eligibility, dismissing any claims of nepotism.

Industries Ministry Gets New Secretary

Md Obaidur Rahman, Additional Secretary (APD Division) of the Ministry of Public Administration, has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Ministry of Industries.

A notification regarding his appointment was issued by the Ministry of Public Administration today.

Previously, on 20 February, the Ministry of Public Administration had sent Zakia Sultana, then Secretary of the Ministry of Industries, into compulsory retirement. On Thursday, Zakia Sultana and two other secretaries were retired due to their roles as returning officers in the 2014 National Parliament elections. This created vacancies for a total of 10 secretary positions.

Speaking to journalists, Mokhlesur Rahman stated that within the next day or two, nine more secretaries will be appointed to fill vacant positions across various ministries and divisions.

He also mentioned that in meetings of four Superior Selection Boards, 12 individuals were chosen for secretary positions. None were appointed on contract; all newly appointed secretaries are from the existing service cadre.