Tug-of-War Emerges Over Appointment of Bangladesh’s Commerce Secretary

A dispute has reportedly emerged over who will assume the position of Commerce Secretary, with senior government officials divided over the appointment.

According to multiple high-ranking administrative sources, a behind-the-scenes struggle is underway between the leadership of the Ministry of Commerce and influential figures within the Prime Minister’s Office. While an official with ties to a senior officer in the Prime Minister’s Office has already been appointed to the post, the Commerce Minister has reportedly not accepted the appointment.

The issue has sparked discussion within the administration, and neither side has denied the existence of the disagreement.

On May 25, the government issued a notification appointing Ataur Rahman, an Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, as Commerce Secretary. However, despite the appointment being announced more than two weeks ago, he had not assumed office as of Thursday. Rahman is an officer from the 18th batch of the Economic Cadre.

Following the death of former Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman on April 17, Additional Secretary Abdur Rahim Khan has been serving as acting secretary of the ministry. Sources within the Ministry of Commerce said the Commerce Minister favors Khan for the permanent position because of his extensive experience working within the ministry. Khan is an officer from the 15th batch of the Administration Cadre.

The appointment of Ataur Rahman during the Eid holiday period reportedly complicated the situation further. Meanwhile, Abdur Rahim Khan was transferred to the Ministry of Labour and Employment on June 1, although he continues to perform duties at the Ministry of Commerce.

Officials familiar with the matter believe the transfer has added another layer of uncertainty surrounding the appointment of the Commerce Secretary.

A Ministry of Public Administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Ministry of Commerce plays a crucial role in international negotiations and trade agreements, and appointments should be based on merit rather than personal relationships.

Ataur Rahman said, “Perhaps the minister has some observations regarding the matter. I have left the issue to the government. I have already submitted my joining papers, and now it is up to the minister to decide how to proceed.”

Abdur Rahim Khan declined to comment when contacted.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir told on Saturday that appointments to senior ministry positions require certain procedures and that those procedures are currently being followed.

“This case is no exception,” the minister said.

Observers note that similar disputes over senior bureaucratic appointments have surfaced periodically since the BNP-led government took office. In March, three secretaries attached to institutions under the Ministry of Finance were reportedly removed without informing the Finance Minister. The decision was later reversed following the minister’s intervention.

A Cabinet Division official, also speaking anonymously, said some bureaucrats appear to consider themselves more powerful than the government itself, creating situations that can embarrass the administration.

“Such officials existed during the interim government as well,” the official said. “The continuation of this type of power politics under an elected government is not a positive sign.”

Another Public Administration Ministry official questioned why the appointment was made during a public holiday.

“Was there such an urgent matter during the Eid break that required appointing a secretary immediately?” the official asked.

The official further argued that such practices reflect long-standing bureaucratic habits and warned that interference by mid-level officials could create unnecessary controversy for a government that came to power with strong public support.

“If these individuals are not brought under control by the highest levels of government, the situation could become more problematic in the future,” the official added.