The routine activities of several government and autonomous bodies have nearly come to a standstill due to prolonged vacancies in key positions. With the government yet to fill the posts left vacant following resignations or removals, citizens are being deprived of essential services.

Institutions such as the Bangladesh Information Commission, Bangladesh Press Council, Anti-Corruption Commission, and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) are among those affected.

At the ACC, activities got stalled after former chairman Moinuddin Abdullah and two commissioners – Asia Khatoon and Zahirul Haque – resigned on 29 October citing personal reasons.

An ACC official wishing not to be named told the Daily Sun, “The chairman and commissioners are at the core of all ACC operations. Major decisions, including the approval of new charge sheets and the initiation of inquiries or investigations, cannot be made without them. As a result, ACC’s activities have slowed significantly.”

“We hear the government is taking steps to appoint a new chairman and commissioners, but there is no confirmation of when this will happen,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Information Commission has also been left nonfunctional since 10 September, when chief information commissioner Abdul Malek and commissioner Shahidul Alam Jhinuk were removed from service. Another commissioner, Masuda Bhatti, reportedly left the country before the vacancies occurred.

Information Commission Director (admin, finance, and IT) SM Kamrul Islam told the Daily Sun, “We are currently only receiving complaints from information seekers but cannot conduct hearings or resolve complaints. However, there are no other operational issues.”

Similarly, the Bangladesh Press Council has been without a chairman since 9 September, following the removal of Nizamul Haque Nasim.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has similarly been affected, with its chairman and five members resigning on 5 November.

Chairman Dr Kamal Uddin Ahmed, along with members Md Selim Reza (full-time), Md Aminul Islam, Kangjari Chowdhury, Dr Bishwajit Chanda, and Dr Tania Haque, submitted their resignation letters to President Mohammed Shahabuddin that day.

When contacted, NHRC Secretary Sebastin Rema told the Daily Sun, “While routine work continues, subject committees on various issues are inactive due to the absence of a chairman and members.”

Talking to the Daily Sun, frormer ACC chairman Ghulam Rahman emphasised the need for the government to expedite appointments to key positions to avoid potential complications.

“After a mass upsurge, such changes are expected. While the appointment process typically follows its course, we hope the government accelerates it to prevent administrative bottlenecks. I trust the government is mindful of the possible challenges ahead,” he added.