Secretary
National Emblem of Bangladesh
Flag of Bangladesh
Government of Bangladesh
Member of	Bangladesh Civil Service
Reports to	President of Bangladesh Prime Minister of Bangladesh Cabinet of Bangladesh
Seat	Bangladesh Secretariat, Dhaka
Appointer	Prime Minister of Bangladesh
Term length	Until the age of 59 Term extendable
Formation	16 July 1971 (1971-07-16)
Succession	15th (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