Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government is pursuing administrative and law-enforcement reforms aimed at reducing political influence and strengthening accountability in state institutions. On July 27, the Ministry of Public Administration issued an order sending 32 former deputy commissioners, now joint secretaries, into compulsory retirement. The article says they had served as returning officers during the 2018 election, while government-linked sources describe the measures as part of efforts to build a neutral and democratic state system.

Information adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said the government had not formally stated that the officials were retired because of their 2018 election duties. He said rules permit compulsory retirement in the public interest without a show-cause notice after 25 years of service. He called for neutral inquiries into the 2008, 2014 and 2018 elections and said criminal action could be considered against those involved in electoral offences.

Police restructuring has also continued, with 17 senior officers retired on July 23 and 33 in June; the article puts the total at 80 in the current government’s five months. Officials say the aim is a professional, impartial and people-oriented force. Reviews and investigations are also under way across ministries and agencies into officials identified as having received political patronage or engaged in controversial activities.