Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain, former adviser to the Ministry of Religious Affairs under the caretaker government, has written that political transitions in Bangladesh often trigger behavioral changes within the bureaucracy. He observed that after the new government took office on February 17, 2026, several contractual secretaries were released or made officers on special duty, including the secretary of the Religious Affairs Ministry. He described this as part of a recurring pattern where bureaucratic loyalty tends to follow political power rather than institutional principles.

The article argues that such politically driven reshuffles undermine administrative neutrality and morale. Hossain recounts his experience working with professional and honest officers during his tenure, contrasting it with the tendency of some officials to align with ruling parties. He warns that prioritizing political loyalty over competence and integrity weakens state institutions and discourages merit-based governance.

He concludes that Bangladesh’s long-term stability depends on fostering a professional, ethical, and accountable bureaucracy. Strengthening training, transparency, and evaluation systems could help ensure that loyalty remains to the state and constitution, not to individuals or political groups.