Nearly five and a half months after the government transition, the public administration and police force continue to grapple with internal unrest and unresolved crises.
Despite some progress, issues such as appointments, transfers, promotions, dismissals, and internal disputes remain prevalent within these crucial state institutions, leading to disruptions in citizen services, social order, and legal protection.
In some regions, the situation has deteriorated further.
Observers emphasise the need for rapid activation of these institutions to fully mobilise the government.
The public administration faces internal crises, including disparities in the BCS cadre, conflicts over the appointment of district commissioners, and the exclusion of many candidates from the 43rd BCS, which have yet to be fully resolved.
Similarly, the police force, attempting to recover from a fragile state, continues to experience internal instability, with fears of transfers, dismissals, lawsuits, arrests, and attacks looming over its members.
Retired secretary AKM Abdul Awal Majumdar pointed out the administration's evident instability, uncertainty, and division.
He noted that the public administration must serve all citizens equitably to eliminate such crises.
Senior officials within the Ministry of Public Administration, preferring anonymity, revealed ongoing government measures to restore order, though the process is not without challenges.
The remnants of the previous administration’s appointments are complicating the situation, with some officials seeking to influence promotions and transfers through former advisors.
The police force, despite some progress, has not fully regained its morale.
Following the events of 5 August, numerous senior police officials were forced into retirement or reassigned, with over 50,000 transfers or postings in the last five months.
Incidents of violence against police and internal dissent have further complicated the situation.
Former IGP Muhammad Nurul Huda noted the police’s struggle to regain control over law and order since 5 August, stressing the need for public cooperation and strong government leadership.
Associate Professor Dr Touhidul Haque from the University of Dhaka highlighted the police’s ongoing challenges in managing assignments and the necessity of prioritising efficiency in deployments.
In response, AIG (Media) Enamul Haque Sagar asserted that the police are working with utmost professionalism and dedication to maintain law and order, urging public cooperation in supporting the force’s efforts.
