TIB reports poor progress in public admin reforms
The study highlighted a staggering level of administrative bloat, noting that there are currently 6,535 officers in the administration against 3,696 approved posts – nearly double the requirement.
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has reported a sluggish pace of public administration reforms, revealing that only three out of 18 "most urgent" recommendations have been implemented so far.
The findings were released today (2 February) at the TIB conference room in a research report titled "One and a half years after the fall of authoritarianism: Expectations and outcomes."
According to the report, the government initiated steps to implement 18 of the 208 recommendations made by the Public Administration Reform Commission, identifying them as "most urgent."
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However, only three have seen actual progress: the renovation of toilets, the issuance of passports without verification, and the holding of public hearings, the report said.
Administrative bloat
TIB alleged that the Ministry of Public Administration and the Cabinet Division have disregarded many significant recommendations, instead inserting proposals of their own choice to protect the interests of the bureaucracy.
The study highlighted a staggering level of administrative bloat, noting that there are currently 6,535 officers in the administration against 3,696 approved posts – nearly double the requirement.
Merit sidelined by loyalty
The research highlighted a persistent failure to follow specific criteria for promotions.
It alleged that instead of prioritising experience, skill, and merit, the authorities are giving precedence to the "deprived" status or political loyalty of officials.
While some officials were overlooked, others promoted reportedly have histories of corruption, irregularities, or disciplinary punishments, with some even accused of being associates in past political malpractices, TIB said.
TIB further observed that despite the government's pledge to end the culture of contractual appointments, the practice continues to prioritise retired officials, causing frustration among active officers who are awaiting promotion.
The administration is also struggling with various movements by officials and employees at different levels to press home their demands, according to the report.
Bi-party dominance
The TIB report said the interim government has failed to depoliticise the administration, noting that the monopoly of the previous authoritarian era has merely been replaced by a "bi-party dominance."
The dominance of the administration cadre remains at a risky level, leading to grade-based and inter-cadre discrimination.
TIB warned that the ongoing chaos and indecisiveness within the public administration are having a negative impact on development activities.
The graft watchdog noted that while the government has shown a lenient approach toward increasing the benefits and facilities of government employees, it has remained largely ineffective in maintaining professionalism or controlling administrative disorder.
