Published: 12:10 AM, 16 April 2026
Senior bureaucrat victimized by vested group
Md. Mahmud Hasan, a Joint Secretary from the 22nd BCS (Administration) cadre, fell a victim to various forms of harassment orchestrated by a vested interest syndicate within his workplace during the ruling period of the immediate past interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. With over 22 years of professional experience across field administration, multiple ministries, and government departments, the purpose of presenting this account is to uphold a moral responsibility to reveal the truth behind the apparent narrative. The Palli Daridro Bimochon Foundation (PDBF), an organization under the Rural Development and Cooperatives Division of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD), has played a notable role in poverty alleviation, particularly through empowering marginalized populations, especially women, with self-employment opportunities. Although it has not always achieved its desired level of effectiveness, the institution has remained significant in this sector. Adviser Sharmin Murshid was in charge of the LGRD Ministry while the interim government was in power from August 2024 till February 2026. Reports have surfaced that Sharmin Murshid was furious on Joint Secretary Md. Mahmud Hasan on irrational grounds.
In November 2024, amid a difficult situation, the contract of the previously appointed private Managing Director-appointed during the former Awami League government-was terminated. At that time, the organization was deeply affected by irregularities, corruption, and disorder inherited from the previous regime. In this context, Mr. Hasan was appointed on deputation from the civil service as the Chief Executive Officer, becoming the first in-service government officer to hold this position in the institution's 26-year history. Upon assuming responsibility, one of his greatest challenges was restoring discipline and order in an environment shaped by what can be described as a culture of mob influence during the interim Yunus administration. A group consisting of politically affiliated employees under the guise of CBA leadership, along with certain dismissed and active corrupt officials and a few media personnel aligned with them, had long been orchestrating and benefiting from irregular practices within the organization.
When Mr. Hasan took a firm stance against corruption and irregularities, the unlawful benefits of this syndicate were disrupted. Their attempts to profit from postings, promotions, and recruitment were effectively blocked. Consequently, viewing him as the primary obstacle to their interests, the group became determined to remove him from his position. They resorted to filing anonymous and fabricated complaints to various government offices, spreading misinformation through fake social media accounts, and publishing false reports in the media in exchange for money. In response to these conspiratorial and subversive activities, Mr. Hasan was compelled to take legal measures. Despite intense pressure and numerous obstacles, he did not compromise with wrongdoing. Through transparent and meticulous processes, he successfully recruited 1,665 personnel and promoted 1,052 employees, while also freeing thousands of employees from the grip of the corrupt syndicate and ensuring a dignified working environment.
Within approximately a year, he was able to restore discipline, efficiency, and dynamism in the organization. However, from November 2025 onward, he faced the most distressing phase of his career. Due to the continued efforts of the same vested group, a covert and conspiratorial move was executed to remove him during the period of the 13th National Election. On February 12, 2026, he was transferred to the Directorate of Technical Education as a Director. Although the order was signed on February 15, it was neither published on the Ministry of Public Administration's website nor communicated to him. After being released from his previous position, and in compliance with government service rules, he joined his new post within the stipulated time. Meanwhile, on February 17, the new BNP-led government took office.
A minister from the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, who was aware of Mr. Hasan's professional integrity, formally requested his posting to that ministry following established procedures. Regrettably, the same vested syndicate continued its malicious efforts by submitting misleading and fabricated information to government offices and misusing the media to tarnish his professional reputation. Their actions also aimed to delay his reassignment as intended by the honorable minister.
The experience of Mr. Hasan reflects a broader reality faced by many honest and professional civil servants who, despite their integrity, often fall victim to conspiracies and harassment by corrupt groups. A significant portion of the civil bureaucracy remains a "passive silent majority," whose contributions are overshadowed. This account is not an isolated incident but rather a representation of a systemic issue within the bureaucracy. In the interest of the public, it is essential to identify such vested syndicates within government institutions and take appropriate legal action against them. At the same time, ensuring protection and security for honest and professional officials in the discharge of their duties is equally important.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) said that the issues with the above official who was jeopardized during the reign of the interim government can be now resolved because an elected government is currently in power. Dr. Iftekharuzzaman further said that all the officials in government organizations as well as in private sector who were incorrectly treated under the interim government should be now redressed.
Professor Anu Muhammad, Jahangirnagar University said that harassing officials unlawfully cannot be accepted under any circumstances. He called upon the present government to run precise, unbiased and quick inquiries to eliminate all anomalies and to reinstate the rights and privileges of unguilty officials.
