The Public Administration Reforms Commission on Tuesday decided to recommend introducing examinations for promotions to the posts of deputy secretary and joint secretary in public administration.
The commission is also proposing a 50-50 promotion quota between administration cadre officers and officers from other cadres for the position of deputy secretary.
Currently, 75% of promotions to the deputy secretary position come from the administration cadre, while only 25% are allocated to other cadres.
Commission Chairman Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury and Member Secretary Mokhlesur Rahman, also senior secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, shared this information during a media briefing with Secretariat-based journalists at the Ministry of Public Administration.
Addressing the proposed changes, Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury said: “No one will be promoted without passing the examination. The Public Service Commission (PSC) will conduct these exams. Those scoring below 70 marks will not qualify for promotion.”
He clarified that this examination-based system will apply to promotions to the levels of deputy secretary and joint secretary, not beyond. Promotions to higher ranks, such as secretary, will remain at the government’s discretion.
Highlighting the fairness of the process, Muyeed added: “If an officer from the customs cadre secures the highest marks in the exam, he will top the list for deputy secretary promotion, irrespective of cadre background.”
The reforms commission will also recommend abolishing the current police verification system for job recruitment, according to Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury.