The Cabinet Division has started a cleansing drive against its employees who have been in the same positions for years.
Many of them have become involved in various irregularities over time. To maintain a clean image, the Cabinet Division has decided to transfer employees who have been in the same department for a long period. At the same time, officers who have been in the Cabinet for several years will also be sent to other ministries.
So far, 22 employees have been transferred.
Additionally, due to the abuse of power and corruption in the Cabinet Division, a probe committee has been formed to investigate several individuals. These details have been confirmed by the Division itself.
In response to a news report published in Bangladesh Pratidin on October 30, Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid directed the Administration Department to investigate the matter.
On November 13, an investigation committee was formed, headed by Additional Secretary Mohammad Khaled Hasan, consisting of one member. The committee has been instructed to submit its report within 10 working days.
The report is anticipated to be submitted within this week.
So far, transfer orders have been issued for 22 employees, including Protocol Officer Md Imdadul Islam, who has not withdrawn his salary for the past 20 years. It has come to light that Imdadul Islam became involved in various irregularities during his tenure in the General Services Department, with assistance from Joint Secretaries who had worked in the Administration Department at different times.
Furthermore, each of the recently transferred employees had remained in the same department for at least four years, building personal networks. Many had worked in the same department for 12 to 14 years.
Reports indicate that employees and officials who have worked in the same department for such extended periods will be transferred. Several long-serving officials have already been reassigned to other ministries or departments.
However, some individuals are still using various methods to remain in their positions, refusing to relinquish their responsibilities.
Joint Secretary Sajjadul Hassan, who was transferred to the Ministry of Religious Affairs on October 7, has expressed a desire to stay in the Cabinet Division, and has been employing various tactics to achieve this. Other officials who were transferred along with him have already joined their new postings.
Sajjadul Hassan, in his role overseeing the Cabinet Division's Administration Department, has been accused of harboring corrupt employees.
Additionally, it has been reported that several other officials are subtly supporting the ‘power-corruption’ syndicate within the Cabinet Division.
However, the Cabinet Division has taken a firm stance to ensure transparency. Md. Saidur Rahman Khan, Additional Secretary (Administration and Rules), Cabinet Division, told Bangladesh Pratidin, "Those who had been in the same department for a long time have already been transferred, and the process is ongoing. The Cabinet Division believes in transparency."
Upon the advice of senior officials, an investigation committee has been formed to examine the accused officials and employees. Given that Joint Secretary-level officers have also been mentioned, the committee is being led by an Additional Secretary.
The Cabinet Division is a place of honor and integrity, and we are committed to maintaining it free from any irregularities.
Translated by ARK/Bd-Pratidin English
