Cabinet secretary questions if officials are waiting for December amid Hasina return talk

The cabinet secretary has called on ministries and divisions to accelerate administrative activities and submit pending proposals without further delay. At a meeting with secretaries, he raised the question of whether anyone was waiting for December.

The query was made during a meeting with secretaries on Thursday (12 November), according to a Business Standard report. The question was raised in the context of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina's recent remarks, in which she said she wanted to return to Bangladesh from India next month.

Emphasis on administrative pace

At the meeting, the cabinet secretary stressed the need to expedite ministerial activities and proposals while highlighting the government's achievements. He told senior officials that proposals pending for long periods must be resolved quickly.

The Business Standard report noted that the question of whether anyone was waiting for December was also raised at the secretaries' meeting. Observers consider the query significant amid widespread speculation about a possible political transition.

Hasina's return remarks

Sheikh Hasina took refuge in New Delhi after being ousted from power on 5 August during a student-led uprising. She recently stated that she wishes to return to Bangladesh in December. Her comments have sparked fresh discussions within the country's administrative structure.

The cabinet secretary's question is being interpreted by many as a directive to eliminate any inertia or wait-and-see attitude within the administration. However, no formal statement has been issued by the cabinet secretary's office regarding the matter.

Directives to officials

During the meeting, the cabinet secretary also said the government's achievements must be communicated to the public. Ministries were instructed to arrange for dissemination of information regarding their respective activities. Additionally, secretaries were directed to expedite resolution of long-pending proposals.

Business Standard reported that the meeting expressed dissatisfaction with the current pace of administrative work and emphasised swift decision-making. Discussions are believed to have also covered the role and responsibilities of the administration amid the country's ongoing political context.