Administrative Cadre Association Splits Amid Committee Row

The Bangladesh Administrative Service Association (BASA), the premier body representing the nation’s administrative cadre, has been plunged into internal turmoil, splitting into two rival factions over the formation of a new committee.

On Monday, conflicting press releases emerged from both sides. The current BASA president, Nazrul Islam, and the newly appointed president, Kaniz Mawla, along with General Secretary Babul Miah, each issued separate statements. Notably, the new committee’s release was handwritten on plain paper and lacked the association’s official letterhead, signed only by four members including the new president and general secretary.

Nazrul Islam, who also serves as Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, refuted the claims regarding the new committee. In his official press release, he stated that the central executive committee of BASA held a meeting on Sunday at the association’s headquarters to discuss matters pertaining to members’ interests. Crucially, no decision was taken to form a new committee.

Conversely, the handwritten release from the so-called new committee asserted that an emergency meeting had resulted in the formation of a nine-member committee for the 2026–27 term, with remaining members to be announced later.

Sources indicate that the dispute may be linked to a series of controversial administrative transfers. On 20 January, the Ministry of Public Administration issued transfer orders for eight Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs), which were rescinded two days later. Suspicions arose that BASA’s president was involved in the reversal, prompting divisions within the organisation along political lines.

The new committee’s leadership includes several high-profile figures from government service:

Repeated calls to the mobile phones of both current and new office-bearers went unanswered.

The transfer saga also involved UNOs such as Masudur Rahman of Kolmakanda. Reports indicate that local political figures, including union chairman Saidur Rahman, attempted to seize government land with associates, prompting a confrontation with the UNO during a mobile court session. Subsequent disciplinary actions and reassignments added to the growing tension. The involvement of top BNP and Jamaat leaders in the transfers has reportedly intensified the split, dividing officials along political allegiances.

The BASA controversy underscores the increasing intersection of bureaucracy and politics in Bangladesh, with key administrative officers now caught between institutional loyalty and political affiliations.