Discussion over contract-based appointments has intensified in Bangladesh’s administration, focusing on the cabinet secretary, principal secretary to the prime minister and public administration secretary posts. The two-year contract terms of Cabinet Secretary Dr Nasimul Gani and Senior Secretary Ehsanul Haque of the Public Administration Ministry end this month. On July 29, Disaster Management and Relief Secretary Saidur Rahman Khan was appointed secretary of the Anti-Corruption Commission, while Housing and Public Works Secretary Nazrul Islam was retired after reaching age 59.

Secretariat speculation suggests Land Ministry Senior Secretary Saleh Ahmed could receive an extended contract to replace Ehsanul Haque. Principal Secretary Abdus Sattar may take charge as cabinet secretary, or Nasimul Gani’s contract could be extended by another year. Contract recruitment is also being discussed for the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry, while the administration is said to be considering a regular officer for Housing and Public Works.

The report lists 22 secretary-level officials currently serving on contract. On July 23, the Public Administration Ministry issued separate notifications appointing officials on one-year contracts to 12 important posts, including an additional secretary at the Election Commission Secretariat. Former secretary Abdul Awal Majumdar said contract appointments to the cabinet secretary post were not new and argued that integrity, competence and professionalism should guide promotions.