Admin service assoc demands formation of administrative service commission

The Bangladesh Administrative Service Association has demanded the formation of an 'Administrative Service Commission' to ensure impartial recruitment, promotion and disciplinary processes for officials in the administration cadre.

In the statement issued today (28 November), the association alleged that the previous "fascist government" undermined the professionalism of many officials by exerting political influence over them. 

"To ensure good governance, accountability and an effective state administration, the country must keep this institution free from political influence, bias and undue interference," the association said. 

The statement added that the administration cadre officers often face pressure, influence and unwarranted directives that undermine their professional independence, lawful responsibilities, neutrality, performance and public trust. 

It also noted that Bangladesh now needs a modern, efficient and neutral administrative structure similar to those in advanced democracies. 

The association called for an independent 'Administrative Service Commission', modelled on the Police Commission, to serve as a legally mandated and autonomous institution for the administration, which would oversee recruitment, promotion and disciplinary actions for administration cadre officials in an impartial manner.

It would include representatives from diverse professional backgrounds to ensure professionalism and neutrality, the statement further added.

The association also welcomed the government's policy decision to form a Police Commission to free the police force from political influence and build it into a more professional and people-centred institution.