In its first six months in office, the BNP-led government has not been able to break free from the bureaucratic practices of previous governments, struggling to deliver on its electoral pledge to reform the administration based on merit, competence and experience.

Its performance records do not inspire confidence ahead of the elections

Govt's plan to compensate "deprived" former bureaucrats raises fresh concerns

Disgruntled officers must help in the administrative reform process

Public administration must not repeat past mistakes

Bangladesh's civil service needs urgent reforms to overcome politicization and inefficiency.

The civil service has become a bloated, inefficient, and patronage-driven sector that rewards political loyalty rather than merit.

Bureaucrats’ resistance, political inertia key barriers to reforms

The crucial reforms to Bangladesh’s civil service have been stalled for 27 years, largely because of the opposition of a section of top bureaucrats and a lack of political will.