Sultanul Arefin  

Graduate Student and Researcher  

Department of English,  

International University of Business

Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT), Dhaka.

When some government officials mentioned the countdown to Yunus Sarkar, a few officials themselves found themselves under the countdown.

The behavior of some government officials and employees is raising suspicion among the public. Recently, for example, the Executive Magistrate of Lalmonirhat, Taposi Tabassum Urmi, was temporarily suspended for criticizing the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government on social media.

On Saturday, she wrote on Facebook that the Interim Government has no constitutional basis. Addressing Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, she further wrote, "The countdown has started for you, Mohasoy." Some officials have taken a stance where they declare the very government they work for as illegitimate. This reveals a political attitude that goes beyond the regulations expected of a government employee.

Political neutrality is crucial for government employees. If any official fails to adhere to government policies, they should consider entering politics. Temporary suspension is not enough; there needs to be an investigation into whether influential individuals or unethical practices were involved in their appointment. A government employee's duty is to work within the framework of established policies.

When it comes to freedom of speech, it is a fundamental right. However, if an official denies significant historical events, such as the July-August 2024 massacres, it raises not just the question of freedom of speech but also their position and mindset, especially when the army chief himself has declared that all those massacres will be prosecuted.

The Interim Government must immediately ensure a politically neutral environment in government workplaces. It is crucial to analyze past actions and public opinion to keep administrative operations free from political influence.

We want an administration where government officials serve the country impartially, rather than being followers of political parties. We expect that the DCs and SPs in the administration work as true public servants, not as representatives of political parties.

If we observe the promotion trajectory of BCS officials from the beginning, today's magistrates will be tomorrow's DCs. After taking charge, the Interim Government promised to reform every sector of the state and then hold a general election. However, if they fail to reform the state machinery from now on, the consequences of failing to deliver on that promise will be severe. At this time, the Interim Government must prioritize removing the mentality of political representation from the minds of all government officials and work on this issue.