CAAB Officials Call for Rule-Based Approach to Promotions
Published: 07:10 PM, 23 August 2026
CAAB Officials Call for Rule-Based Approach to Promotions
The demand was raised in a memorandum submitted at CAAB headquarters on Sunday morning amid discussions over promotions within the aviation regulator.
In the memorandum, the officials referred to provisions of the Bangladesh Gazette issued on May 4, 2011, which set out the circumstances under which promotion may be withheld because of departmental, anti-corruption or criminal proceedings.
According to CAAB officials, the rules distinguish between an investigation being underway and a case reaching a formal stage that creates a restriction on promotion.
A senior CAAB official said the relevant provision identifies specific circumstances, including the submission of formal charges in departmental proceedings, filing of a charge sheet in a case brought by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), government approval for initiating criminal proceedings, or arrest in connection with such a case.
Where those conditions apply, an official may remain outside consideration for promotion until the proceedings are finally resolved.
However, the officials argued that an inquiry or investigation by the ACC or police does not necessarily amount to a formal charge against an employee.
“An investigation is part of the process of establishing facts. It should not automatically be treated in the same way as a charge sheet or a formal departmental charge,” a CAAB official said.
They maintained that officials who meet the required qualifications and seniority criteria should continue to be considered for promotion where no specific restriction prescribed by the service rules applies and an appropriate vacancy exists.
The memorandum also highlighted provisions concerning employees who have received disciplinary penalties. Under the rules cited by the officials, separate waiting periods apply following minor and major penalties before an employee can again become eligible for promotion.
The officials further pointed to provisions covering employees who are subsequently cleared of departmental, ACC or criminal allegations. Subject to applicable conditions and the availability of posts, such employees may again be considered for promotion, with provisions for notional seniority in relevant cases.
CAAB officials said the central issue is the distinction between an allegation, an inquiry, an investigation and a formal charge. Treating all these stages as having the same consequence could unnecessarily delay the career progression of officials who have not reached the stage at which promotion is restricted under the rules, they argued.
Through the memorandum, the officials called on the authorities to apply the government regulations consistently and assess each promotion case on its individual merits.
They said accountability must remain an essential part of public service, but at the same time eligible employees should not face indefinite delays in promotion solely because an inquiry or investigation is pending when no formal charge or other prescribed legal barrier has arisen.
