The government is considering new appointments to 2 influential positions in the civil administration as the contractual terms of Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani and Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Md Ehsanul Haque expire on August 16.
Discussions are underway over whether to renew their contracts or appoint new officials, with several senior civil servants emerging as possible contenders.
Officials familiar with the matter said the government is assessing candidates based on administrative competence, field-level experience, decision-making ability, integrity, coordination skills and the capacity to implement government priorities, rather than seniority alone.
The final decision will be taken by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The two appointments are considered significant as the Cabinet secretary coordinates the work of ministries and divisions and plays a key role in implementing cabinet decisions, while the Public Administration Ministry oversees appointments, promotions, transfers and broader civil service management.
Although no appointment has been officially confirmed, several senior officials are being discussed within administrative circles.
The name of Prime Minister's Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar is reportedly among those being considered for the Cabinet secretary's post. His seniority, administrative experience and close involvement in government affairs are believed to be factors behind his name being discussed.
Election Commission Secretariat Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed is also reportedly being considered.
Some officials believe that if Abdus Sattar is appointed Cabinet secretary, Akhtar Ahmed could emerge as a potential candidate for principal secretary.
For the Public Administration Ministry, the name of ASM Saleh Ahmed, a former private secretary to former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, has also surfaced in discussions.
Officials said his experience in field administration, including serving as a deputy commissioner, could strengthen his prospects.
Education Secretary Abdul Khaleque and Health Ministry Secretary Kamruzzaman Chowdhury are also reportedly being considered, although there has been no official confirmation.
The appointments come as the new government seeks to make the civil administration more responsive and effective in implementing its policy priorities.
Since taking office, the government has initiated changes at different levels of the administration through transfers, postings and redistribution of responsibilities.
Officials said greater emphasis is being placed on field-level coordination, implementation of development projects, accountability in local administration and faster execution of policy decisions.
Traditionally, the Cabinet secretary is selected from among the most senior serving secretaries. However, successive governments have also appointed retired officials on contract when deemed necessary.
The current government is reportedly keeping both options open.
Ghani's tenure has drawn mixed reactions within the administration. While he is regarded as an experienced administrator, some recent promotion and appointment decisions have generated debate among civil servants.
Questions were raised over some decisions taken through the Superior Selection Board during promotions to joint secretary.
Some officials alleged that certain officers who had retired or faced disciplinary action benefited from promotions while others were overlooked. The government has not formally endorsed these allegations.
The administration is also under pressure from officials who say many competent officers were sidelined during the previous Awami League government's tenure.
The government has promoted 119 officials who were reportedly deprived of promotion during the previous regime. Some officials now want them to be given appropriate postings based on their experience and competence.
The 2 posts are crucial to the government's administrative machinery. The Cabinet secretary serves as a key coordinator between ministries and divisions, oversees implementation of cabinet decisions and plays an important role in administrative reform.
The Public Administration Ministry, meanwhile, controls much of the civil service's human-resource management, including recruitment, promotion, transfer and posting.
Around 22 senior secretaries, secretaries and officials of equivalent rank are currently serving on contractual appointments, according to officials.
Therefore, the decision on Ghani and Haque could also indicate how the government intends to handle other contractual appointments.
Former secretary and public administration expert Anwar Faruk said the most important consideration should be competence rather than whether an officer is serving or working on contract.
He said: “The key issue is whether the person is competent, experienced, honest and capable of running the administration effectively.”
With the August 16 deadline approaching, officials across the Secretariat are closely watching the government's decision.
Whether the contracts are renewed or new faces are appointed, the decision is expected to provide an important indication of the government's broader approach to civil service management and administrative reform.
