Culture Minister Wants Retired Secretary Reappointed on Contract Basis

Culture Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury has recommended the reappointment of retired Bangla Academy Secretary Md. Selim Reza to the same post.

A recommendation letter was sent to the Ministry of Public Administration on June 15, requesting necessary steps in this regard.

Selim Reza retired and entered post-retirement leave (PRL) on June 10. Two days earlier, he was given a farewell reception at the Shaheed Munier Chowdhury auditorium of the academy, where he was greeted with flowers by Director General Professor Mohammad Azam on behalf of the institution.

In the recommendation letter, the minister said he personally knows Selim Reza, describing him as 'a resident of my constituency and a close acquaintance.'

“During his tenure at Bangla Academy, Selim Reza played an important role in managing the institution’s administrative operations. His professionalism, efficiency, and dedication significantly contributed to the dynamism of the academy’s activities,” the minister said.

He further added that if Selim Reza’s post-retirement leave is suspended and he is appointed on a one-year contractual basis, his experience and expertise would further strengthen the ongoing activities of Bangla Academy. The minister also said he would be able to contribute to national development and better reflect public expectations.

Government officials can be appointed on contractual terms for specific positions, but such appointments are generally considered only when a post is deemed 'essential,' meaning no suitable alternative exists at the same level or even at a junior level.

Officials said that in many cases, the government is appointing retired officials on contract, which sometimes leads to administrative complications and delays in promotions for officers below them.

A senior official at the Ministry of Public Administration told Agamir Somoy that while many contract appointees are capable, others are not, and failure to properly assess suitability may create further administrative challenges.

Officials also noted that appointing a retired officer on contract can block promotion opportunities for at least five subordinate officials, leading to frustration within the bureaucracy.

They questioned why such contractual appointments are being made even in cultural institutions like Bangla Academy.

Bangla Academy is an autonomous state institution dedicated to the development of language, literature, culture, and research. It organizes the month-long 'Amar Ekushey Book Fair' every February and is also responsible for standardizing Bengali spelling, compiling dictionaries, and publishing scholarly and literary works.

The post of Bangla Academy secretary carries the rank of deputy secretary, typically filled by a government officer of that grade.