Only six weeks into its tenure, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-led government finds itself fighting an unexpected domestic fire.
It is not a political uprising or an economic crisis, but rather a "headache of ego – a series of high-profile, controversial outbursts and moral scandals involving field-level administrators that have left the central government scrambling to save face.
From viral "immorality" tapes to the sight of journalists in handcuffs, the conduct of some Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) is providing easy ammunition for critics and fueling a firestorm of social media outrage.
A trail of scandals: From tapes to handcuffs
The administrative rot has surfaced across various districts, manifesting in behaviours ranging from petty arrogance to serious allegations of criminal misconduct.
The ‘Sir’ syndrome: Power trips gone viral
The most visible friction has centred on an obsession with status and titles. In Kurigram, AC (Land) Ariful Islam reportedly publicly berated a journalist for calling him "brother" instead of "Sir," claiming such familiarity undermined his official image.
Even more severe was the scene in Cumilla’s Chandina Upazila. On April 1, AC (Land) Faisal Al Noor ordered the police to handcuff two journalists – Russel Sarkar and Abdul Alim – simply for recording a video inside his office during a hearing.
The image of the shackled reporters went viral, prompting the ministry to "stand release" Faisal the very next day, transferring him to Sylhet as a Senior Assistant Commissioner.
The Jhenaidah allegations
The most explosive case involves Jhenaidah DC Abdullah Al Masud. On April 3, a viral audio clip featured a recently retired UNO levelling a bombshell accusation: she claimed the DC had made "immoral offers" involving money and, upon her refusal, orchestrated her illegal transfer. The Ministry of Public Administration acted swiftly, removing Masud on April 7 and pulling him back to the ministry.
The "deepfake" defence in Hatia
In Noakhali’s Hatia, UNO Md Alauddin found himself at the centre of a scandal after a video allegedly showed him in objectionable circumstances with multiple women. While Alauddin claimed the footage was a "fabricated AI deepfake" designed to ruin him, the government wasn't taking chances; he was made an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) within 24 hours.
The press club gatekeeper
In Gaibandha, AC (Land) Jahangir Alam Babu allegedly obstructed a reporter, claiming one cannot legally be a journalist without Press Club membership.
Experts point to a "mentorship void"
Why is the field administration acting so "recklessly"? Former bureaucrats suggest the problem is a lack of guidance from the top down.
"When we were young officers, DCs kept us under close watch – guiding, advising, even scolding us when needed," says Former Secretary AKM Abdul Awal Majumder. "That closeness and sincerity seem to be missing now. DCs must actively guide their subordinates on proper conduct."
Majumder warns that the government must move beyond simple transfers. If allegations of abuse are proven, "exemplary punishment" is the only way to deter future power trips.
The government’s response: "None is above the law"
The Ministry of Public Administration is currently in damage-control mode.
Officials admit the behaviour of these officers has been an embarrassment, but they insist the "swift and surgical" removals show a zero-tolerance policy.
State Minister for Public Administration Md Abdul Bari has been firm: "Government officials must act according to law and regulations. Anyone who violates them for personal reasons will face the consequences. The state belongs to the people—not to individuals who misuse power."
The government has been swift in its disciplinary response, ensuring that controversial figures are quickly sidelined to maintain public trust. For instance, Abdullah Al Masud, the Deputy Commissioner of Jhenaidah, was removed and reassigned to the ministry following explosive allegations of immoral offers and the orchestration of an illegal transfer. Similarly, in Hatia, UNO Md Alauddin was immediately made an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) after a scandalous video surfaced on social media, despite his claims that the footage was a deepfake.
The crackdown extended to lower-level field officers as well, notably in Comilla, where AC (Land) Faisal Al Noor was removed from his post the very next day after his decision to handcuff journalists sparked national outrage. These actions collectively signal the Ministry of Public Administration’s intent to curb the "reckless" behaviour of field administrators and reinforce the principle that no official is beyond accountability.
A test of governance
For a new BNP-led government promising a "clean break" from the administrative excesses of the past, these incidents are more than just PR nightmares – they are a litmus test.
While the swift reassignment of "rogue" officers signals intent, critics argue that the government needs a systemic overhaul. Better training, more rigorous psychological vetting, and a culture that prioritises public service over the "Sir" syndrome are required to ensure that the administration serves the people, rather than its own ego.
As one senior official noted privately: "The message is loud and clear – under this government, no one is above the law." The coming months will determine if that message has actually been received in the field.