Food Ministry accused of violating regulations in appointing 69 upazila food controllers

The Ministry of Food is facing growing criticism for appointing 69 employees from the 13th grade as upazila food controllers on a "current charge" basis, despite the availability of more experienced and qualified candidates.

The issue has prompted food inspectors from across the country to gather in Dhaka today in protest.

The appointments, announced in a notification on 23 September, have sparked controversy as it violates the Ministry of Public Administration's guidelines on such appointments.

These appointments breach seniority rules, as individuals from lower positions, such as assistant superintendents, accountants, and superintendents, have been given the charge of food controllers.

Protesting food inspectors also report that none of the appointees have more than 5-6 years of service, while the regulations require at least 11 years for such positions.

Food inspectors, many of whom are currently at the 9th-grade level and have served longer, claim that they have been unfairly overlooked.

The appointment was proposed about nine months ago and the Bangladesh Food Inspectors' Association had been opposing the decision since.

Md Abdur Rahman Khan, president of the association, said, "If these individuals were qualified, we would not have any objections. We do not understand why qualified candidates were overlooked. We demand that this notification be immediately cancelled, and the responsibilities be given to those who meet the criteria."

Notably, food inspectors had previously filed three cases in the courts of Rajshahi and Chattogram, which are currently ongoing, seeking to challenge the decision.

Food inspectors alleged that the decision was influenced by the former food secretary Md Ismail Hossain.

Ismail Hossain, who was transferred to the Ministry of Social Welfare on 30 September, defended the appointments, explaining that the Food Department's recruitment rules include an 18% quota for clerical posts, which the new appointees fill.

"It is correct that some of the appointees did not meet the 11-year service criterion but leaving the positions vacant would create a crisis. Besides, "current charge" appointments are temporary and can be revoked at any time, should the need arise," he said.

However, this explanation has done little to satisfy the food inspectors, who remain firm in their demand for the cancellation of the notification and the appointment of qualified individuals.

The Public Administration Ministry's guidelines issued in April 2023, outline clear rules for "current charge" appointments. Clause 8(g) specifically prohibits placing an employee holding a higher position under someone with a "current charge."

Similarly, clause 5(g) mandates strict adherence to seniority gradation lists for promotions. Food inspectors allege that none of these provisions have been followed.