2 DCs transferred upon EC's request, 'more changes may come'

Two deputy commissioners, who were appointed as returning officers, were transferred ahead of the 12th national elections yesterday upon the Election Commission's request, with officials indicating more changes may come in the coming days.

Earlier, the EC asked the government to transfer the officers-in-charge (OCs) of all police stations and Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) across the country.

Officials say the commission is making major changes in law enforcement forces and administration, after the polls schedule was announced on 15 November, to conduct free and fair elections.

According to a letter issued on Saturday signed by Deputy Secretary Bhaskar Debnath Bappi of the Ministry of Public Administration, Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner Didar-E-Alam Mohammed Maksud has been relocated to Mymensingh, where he will retain his role as DC. Simultaneously, deputy secretary of the Parliament Secretariat Md Rashed Iqbal Chowdhury has been appointed as the new deputy commissioner in Sunamganj.

Furthermore, Mymensingh DC Mostafizur Rahman has been transferred as the deputy secretary of the Health Service Division.

Election Commissioner Anisur Rahman told The Business Standard, "From November 21 to 28, the four election commissioners conducted a field visit. During this period, we engaged with various stakeholders, gathered diverse perspectives, personally observed the situation, and collected relevant information. Upon our return to Dhaka, we thoroughly deliberated on the issues within the commission, leading us to a decision to implement transfers."

When asked about any complaints against the officials being transferred, he responded, "We summoned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Secretary of the Public Administration Ministry to the commission. We listened to their inputs and compiled a comprehensive list of all officers."

"After careful consideration, we believe that officers stationed in one location for an extended period may develop a strong connection with the local community, potentially influencing electoral dynamics. Hence, the decision for their transfer," he said.

Anisur Rahman added that immediate transfers have been mandated for OCs and UNOs. The transfers of DCs and SPs will occur in multiple phases.

When queried about the possibility of further transfers, he affirmed that such moves are indeed likely. He emphasised that transfers or withdrawals could happen at any time.

Regarding the current plans for DC transfers, he explained, "As commissioners, we convene daily, including on Fridays and Saturdays. We address various issues each day, and decisions are promptly communicated. Consequently, there is no predetermined plan in place. If there are complaints against any individual or if a transfer is deemed necessary for the sake of fair elections, swift orders will be issued."

Commenting on the issue, EC Additional Secretary Ashok Kumar Debnath said the decision of transfer was taken in the wake of the commission's request.

On 22 November, Election Commissioner Md Alamgir assured reporters that no administration personnel would be transferred without valid reasons. Nevertheless, he emphasised that if a government official demonstrates bias through their conduct and work, they would indeed be subject to transfer.

Additionally, he voiced concerns about potential chaos in administrative functions, law and order maintenance, and overall country and election management if a large number of officials were to be transferred. Moreover, the commissioner raised questions about the financial implications of such decisions.

Surprisingly, just a week later, the decision of making changes in the administration has been taken.

Ashok Kumar Debnath said the decision to transfer all the officers-in-charge of all police stations and UNOs was taken on the basis of field level information.

"The transfers are not expected to cause any disruptions," he said while talking to reporters at his office at Election Commission Building in Agargaon on Saturday evening.

EC Secretary Jahangir Alam said as the election schedule has been declared, the commission now asserts that it is not obligated to provide a specific reason for transferring individuals. They maintain the authority to transfer anyone if they deem it necessary.