In a stern warning to government employees, Ministry of Public Administration Secretary Mohammad Mokhlesur Rahman has emphasised the necessity of submitting asset declarations.
"Those who fail to comply will face consequences," he said during a press briefing at the secretariat on Monday (2 September).
The secretary outlined that a five-member committee has been formed to streamline the process, including the creation of a simplified form and the establishment of clear submission deadlines and procedures.
He added, "We will certainly inform you of the consequences of failing to submit asset declarations, including the nature of the penalties and how enforcement will be carried out. There will be no positive outcome without addressing the negative aspects. If submission is not enforced, what incentive is there to comply? Rest assured, there are legal repercussions. The details of these will be communicated when we issue the form."
The regulation for government employees to submit asset declarations every five years was introduced in 1979 under the Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1979, to ensure accountability.
This rule mandated annual asset declarations.
However, in 2002, the regulations were amended to require submissions every five years instead.
Despite this, the rule has not been fully enforced over the past four decades. The interim government has now taken steps to address this issue by issuing directives to the Ministry of Public Administration to ensure compliance.
