Comparative Public Administration:
Bangladesh’s Administrative System and
Reforms (2024–2025)
Introduction
Bangladesh's administrative framework has undergone significant transformations,
especially following the political upheaval of August 2024, which led to the ousting of Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina and the establishment of an interim government under Nobel
laureate Muhammad Yunus. This period has been marked by extensive reforms aimed at
restructuring governance, enhancing transparency, and strengthening democratic
institutions.
I. Executive System
Bangladesh operates under a parliamentary democracy where the President serves as the
ceremonial head of state, and the Prime Minister holds executive authority. However, the
interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has introduced a unique administrative
arrangement:
- Chief Adviser: Muhammad Yunus functions as the de facto head of government, overseeing
multiple ministries and divisions.
- Advisers: A council of advisers, including figures like Supradip Chakma and Bidhan Ranjan
Roy, assist in managing specific ministries.
Recent Reforms:
- Ministry Reduction: The Public Administration Reform Commission recommended
reducing the number of ministries from 43 to 25 to streamline governance.
- Administrative Clustering: Ministries have been categorized into five clusters for better
coordination.
II. Legislature
Bangladesh's unicameral legislature, the Jatiya Sangsad (National Parliament), comprises
300 members elected for five-year terms.
Recent Developments:
- Party Deregistration: In May 2025, the Election Commission deregistered the Awami
League, citing threats to national security.
- Constitutional Reform Commission: Established to draft a new, inclusive constitution and
form a National Constitutional Council to ensure checks and balances.
III. Judiciary
Bangladesh's judiciary includes the Supreme Court (Appellate and High Court Divisions),
subordinate courts, and administrative tribunals.
Recent Reforms:
- Judicial Appointments: A 2025 ordinance established an independent council led by the
Chief Justice for judicial appointments.
- Judicial Reform Commission: Tasked with enhancing judicial independence and efficiency.
IV. Civil Services
Bangladesh's civil service includes cadres like Administration, Police, Education, and Health.
Recent Reforms:
- Cadre Restructuring: Education and Health services may be separated from general cadre
services for specialization.
- Promotion Policies: Competitive exams proposed for Deputy Secretary positions; a 50:50
promotion ratio across cadres has been proposed.
- Anti-Corruption Measures: Investigations launched into systemic corruption involving
former officials.
V. Local Bodies
Local governance includes Union Parishads (smallest units), Upazila Parishads (sub-
districts), and Zila Parishads (districts).
Recent Reforms:
- Administrative Reorganization: Creation of two new divisions (Comilla and Faridpur)
proposed.
- Metropolitan Governance: Proposal to form a capital metropolitan government in Dhaka,
inspired by New Delhi’s model.
- Leadership Changes: Local mayors and chairpersons have been replaced with neutral
administrators.
Comparative Perspective
Bangladesh vs. India:
- Executive: Both operate under parliamentary systems, but Bangladesh’s interim setup
deviates with a Chief Adviser.
- Legislature: India has a stable bicameral system; Bangladesh’s unicameral legislature is
undergoing reform.
- Judiciary: India’s judiciary is independent; Bangladesh is implementing reforms for
autonomy.
- Civil Services: India has structured promotion; Bangladesh is making it more competitive
and inclusive.
- Local Bodies: India’s Panchayati Raj system is constitutionally entrenched; Bangladesh is
moving toward similar decentralization.
Bangladesh vs. France:
- Executive: France’s semi-presidential system differs from Bangladesh’s interim executive
setup.
- Legislature: France has a bicameral legislature; Bangladesh is reforming its unicameral
parliament.
- Judiciary: France has administrative and civil courts; Bangladesh is reforming its single-
tier system.
- Civil Services: France has elite corps and training institutions; Bangladesh is restructuring
for specialization.
- Local Bodies: France’s local autonomy is well-established; Bangladesh is working towards
greater decentralization.
Conclusion
Bangladesh is undergoing a transformative phase in its administrative structure, marked by
significant reforms aimed at enhancing governance, ensuring transparency, and
strengthening democratic institutions. While challenges remain, these ongoing efforts
reflect a strong commitment to building a more robust and inclusive administrative
framework.
