A group of long-overlooked BCS (Health) cadre officials found an unexpected audience on Tuesday, as Prime Minister Tarique Rahman met them during an impromptu encounter at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
The officials had come seeking an appointment to present their long-standing grievances over stalled promotions and administrative disparities. Instead, they were able to meet the prime minister directly and hand over a written application on the spot.
During the brief but significant exchange, they outlined years of frustration – delayed promotions, perceived inequities in administrative decisions and the professional and personal strain caused by the situation.
According to the application, 1,821 officials have been affected. Despite meeting required qualifications and seniority benchmarks, many said they were overlooked for promotion during the previous interim administration without clear justification.
Some also alleged that junior officers were promoted ahead of their seniors, creating imbalances within the system.
Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Rumon said the prime minister listened attentively and assured the officials that the issue would be reviewed with importance.