Secretary
Government of Bangladesh
Member ofBangladesh Civil Service
Reports to
Seat
AppointerPrime Minister of Bangladesh
Term lengthUntil the age of 59
Term extendable
Formation16 July 1971 (1971-07-16)
Succession15th (on the Order of precedence in Bangladesh)

Secretary to the Government of Bangladesh, often referred to as Secretary or Senior Secretary, GoB, is a prestigious post and rank within the Bangladesh Civil Service under the government of Bangladesh. The creation of this post is authorized by the government of Bangladesh, aligning with the country's administrative needs.[1] The position is typically held by a career civil servant, predominantly from the Bangladesh Civil Service, and represents a government official of considerable seniority.[2]

In Bangladesh, the Secretary is either from the Bangladesh Administrative Service or other cadres of the civil service upon attaining the required level of seniority and experience. Appointments and promotions to this position are made by the government of Bangladesh, often involving high-level decision-making bodies.[3]

Within the structure of the Bangladeshi government, a Secretary serves as the administrative head of a ministry or division. The role is comparable to that of the highest-ranking officials in other government branches and is recognized as such in the hierarchy of the Bangladesh Civil Service. The position of Senior Secretary, created in 2012, adds an additional tier of seniority, addressing the growing complexities and demands of modern governance in Bangladesh.[4]

History and background

The role of the Secretary has evolved significantly since Bangladesh's independence in 1971.[5] Initially shaped by the administrative traditions inherited from Pakistan and British India, the position has undergone various transformations, reflecting the changing political and administrative landscape of the country. Over the decades, Secretaries have played instrumental roles in policy formulation, administration, and crisis management.

In 1998, the government decided to keep 75% of posts of deputy secretary and 70% of posts of joint secretary for the BCS administration and the remaining posts for the officers of other cadres.[3]

Appointment and tenure

The appointment of Secretaries (including Senior Secretaries) is conducted by the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, based on seniority and merit within the Bangladesh Civil Service. The tenure of a Secretary varies, often influenced by the government's administrative needs and the individual's performance.[6]

Role and responsibilities

  • Policy Implementation: Secretaries are primarily responsible for implementing government policies within their respective ministries.
  • Advisory Function: They advise ministers on policy matters, offering insights and recommendations based on their expertise and departmental feedback.
  • Administrative Oversight: Overseeing the administrative functions of their ministries, they ensure efficiency and compliance with regulations.
  • Interdepartmental Coordination: They facilitate coordination among various departments and ministries, essential for integrated policy implementation.
  • International Representation: In some cases, Secretaries represent Bangladesh in international forums, particularly in matters related to their ministries.[7]

References

  1. "Appointment and conditions of service | The Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh". Legislative and Parliamentary Division. Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.
  2. "BCS". Archived from the original on 3 March 2016.
  3. 1 2 "Secretariat". Banglapedia.
  4. "Five more officials promoted to senior secretary, others shuffled". BDNEWS24. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  5. Feroze, Shahriar (16 December 2014). "That unsung 'Philatelic war' …". The Daily Star. Archived from the original on 9 April 2018. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
  6. "Rules of Business 1996" (PDF). Cabinet Division | Government of Bangladesh. April 2017.
  7. Khan, Mohammad Mohabbat (2003). "State of Governance in Bangladesh". pp. 391–405.


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