The “Promotion Committee for Retired Officers Deprived of Promotion 2024,” led by former finance secretary Zakir Ahmed Khan, today recommended promoting 764 retired officials to various ranks, including deputy secretary, joint secretary, additional secretary, and secretary.
The recommendations followed a review of 1,540 applications from officials who alleged being denied promotion during the Awami League’s tenure.
The committee’s report was submitted to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus this morning.
The committee’s recommendation suggested promotions for 119 officials for Secretary positions; 41 officials for Grade-1 (Secretary) status, 528 officials for additional secretary, 72 officials for joint secretary, and 4 officials for deputy secretary.
The report also noted that 13 applications were excluded as they fell outside the committee’s jurisdiction.
A source within the committee stated that the recommendations are limited to “prospective promotions,” with no suggestions for contractual appointments.
While some applicants have expressed interest in contractual roles post-promotion, the committee clarified that such appointments are at the discretion of the government.
The analysis of the data on the 764 recommended officials revealed that the committee has suggested four-step promotions for 9 officials, three-step promotions for 34 officials, two-step promotions for 126 officials, and one-step promotions for 595 officials.
However, 763 applications were not recommended for promotion, with reasons provided in the report.
The five-member committee was formed on September 16, 2024, to evaluate applications from officials who retired between 2009 and August 4, 2024. It included representatives from the Cabinet Division, Ministry of Public Administration, Finance Division, and Law and Justice Division.
The report stated that 1,540 applications had been received. Among those, the committee reviewed 1,527 valid applications, including 19 from family members of deceased officials, through 28 meetings before finalising its recommendations.
The report, completed ahead of the 90-day deadline, was presented in the presence of Chief Secretary M Siraz Uddin Miah.
The chief adviser expressed appreciation for the committee’s efforts in completing the task efficiently.
ABS Abdus Sattar, convener of anti-discrimination employees unity forum said, from 2009 to August 2024, during the 16 years of the former Awami League government, many officers were deprived of promotions without any specific reason.
He expressed hope that the report would lead to corrective measures and fairness in promotions moving forward.
