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]
| Secretary | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| Government of Bangladesh | |
| Member of | Bangladesh Civil Service |
| Reports to | |
| Seat | |
| Appointer | Chief Adviser of Bangladesh |
| Term length | Until the age of 59 Term contractually extendable |
| Formation | 16 July 1971 |
| Succession | 15th (on the Order of precedence in Bangladesh) |
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 Chief Adviser 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
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