Bangladesh’s interim government has faced a significant administrative slowdown since taking power in August.

Ministries, including the Ministry of Public Administration, are experiencing slow progress of works and development projects seem similarly stagnant. An environment of uncertainty and fear is palpable among government officials, which is contributing to the slowdown.

A visit to the Secretariat revealed the concern of officials from various departments. There is widespread concern about transfers or potential reassignment to less desirable roles, especially among those appointed or promoted during the Awami League rule.

As a result, there is little momentum in completing tasks. Several ministries still have secretaries from the previous government who are also eager to be appointed as Officers on Special Duty (OSD) or face forced retirement.

Meanwhile, eight secretaries, who were denied promotions during the Awami League’s tenure and have now been reappointed on contractual basis, are facing challenges in adjusting to their roles. Current officers who held positions under Sheikh Hasina’s administration seem reluctant to fully accept them, resulting in slower operational progress. “These new appointments are struggling to fit in with others as they return to administration after long gaps in service,” an official noted.

Some key ministries reported that interim government advisers ordered budget cuts for projects initiated during the previous administration. Councilors are taking time to understand ongoing projects and in some cases work has been stopped. There are no signs that the interim administration plans to introduce new projects, adding to concerns about the overall pace of development.

In addition to project delays, various land-level development tasks and social allowances are not paid properly. Complaints arose, particularly regarding pensions for widows, the elderly and the disabled under the Ministry of Social Welfare. Rural development projects under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief such as ‘Kabita’ and ‘Kabikha’ are also stalled.

Sharmeen S Murshid, adviser to the Ministry of Social Welfare and Ministry of Women and Child Affairs, attributed the difficulties to the resistance of existing government staff. “Whenever a government takes office, it needs its own team,” she noted at an event this week. “The old team has to step aside for things to run smoothly.”

Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, adviser to the Ministry of Labor and Employment and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, echoed similar concerns, saying, “There has been a revolution in our country. After a revolution, things don’t work as before, yet we cling to the previous system Some members of the administration create stagnation by not cooperating, if necessary, the government will consider replacing uncooperative officials.

Acknowledging the stagnant work environment, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam said during a press conference last month: “Yes, there is stagnation in the administration. We observe this and face non-cooperation from various quarters. Hopefully the stagnation will dissipate soon.”

The lack of appointed secretaries in at least seven ministries and divisions further exacerbates the problem. The additional secretaries who manage these departments only perform routine duties without taking any policy decisions, contributing to the overall lack of progress.

Amidst this slowdown, officials from various batches who have been deprived of promotions are demanding proper placement in senior positions. The contracts of at least 100 officials appointed on contract basis were terminated during the Awami League regime. On the contrary, eight officials who had been released during Hasina’s tenure were reappointed as secretaries and later promoted to senior secretary posts.

Among these appointees, Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid, Dr Siraj Uddin Mia, Dr Mokhles-ur-Rahman, Dr MA Momen, MA Akmal Hossain Azad, Ehsanul Haque and Dr Nasimul Ghani are said to have significant control over the administration . In addition, Siddiq Zobair and ASM Saleh Ahmed were appointed as senior secretaries in the ministries of education and lands respectively.

Promotions were rare for senior officials from other batches, sparking discontent. Some claim that even junior colleagues have surpassed them in rank. Abu Mohammad Yusuf, a retired additional secretary, complained, “Despite being qualified, I was not appointed as secretary. Officials who were younger than me have now held senior positions.”

Dr. Mokhles-ur-Rahman, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, explained that addressing these issues, which have persisted for over 16 years, would take time. He expressed optimism, saying: “We hope to complete the placement of the right people in all ministries and departments soon, which will then accelerate progress.”

The caretaker government faces significant challenges in trying to restore momentum in the administration while managing the demands of marginalized officials and overcoming resistance from the ranks.