Officials from the administration cadre have protested the Public Administration Reform Commission’s proposal to allocate 50% of deputy secretary-level promotions to administration cadre officers and the remaining 50% to officers from other cadres.

Terming the recommendation as discriminatory, unreasonable, and part of a broader conspiracy, they voiced their concerns during a protest meeting held at the BIAM Foundation Auditorium in the capital on Wednesday. 

Bangladesh Administrative Service Association and BCS (Administration) Kalyan Bahumukhi Samabay Samity Limited, organised the meeting, which was attended by many current and former administration cadre officials.

Speakers at the meeting warned of a “deep conspiracy to destabilize the country” by shifting the focus of public administration reforms. 

They criticized the proposed changes as undermining the administration cadre’s role and efficiency.

Earlier, on Sunday, a massive gathering of administration cadre officials took place at the Secretariat, highlighting growing tensions between cadres. 

Administration cadre officers argue that the proposed reforms would significantly reduce their promotion opportunities, sparking widespread discontent and protests.

In response, officials from 25 other cadres staged an hour-long “pen break” on Tuesday, demanding equal opportunities in promotions and postings. 

They also announced plans to form a human chain protest on Thursday.

The non-administration cadres criticized the proposed quota system, advocating for a merit-based promotion framework and clearer cadre-specific responsibilities in policymaking roles, including secretarial positions. They emphasized the need for fair and transparent reforms to address existing inequalities.

Mohammad Mofizur Rahman, coordinator of the Inter-Cadre Discrimination Elimination Council, warned that if their demands remain unmet, they would escalate their protests with a rally in Dhaka scheduled for January 4.

BDST: 1354 HRS, DEC 25, 2023
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