Each Deputy Commissioner in Bangladesh presides over more than 300 committees, according to recent directives from the Cabinet Division.

The information came to light following a letter instructing all DCs to provide updated details on committees under their leadership.

The Cabinet Division letter lists 302 committees chaired by DCs across various fields. It further instructs DCs to submit updated information on any additional committees not included in the provided list to the Field Administration Liaison Branch.

Deputy Commissioners, typically officers of the Deputy Secretary rank from the administration cadre, serve as the central government`s representatives at the district level. Their responsibilities include overseeing general administration, maintaining law and order as District Magistrates, managing land as Collectors, and implementing special programs and development initiatives of the elected government.

Officials from other administrative cadres, speaking anonymously to Jago News, expressed concerns over the excessive workload placed on DCs due to their leadership roles in such a large number of committees.

“If an officer is the president of over 300 committees, it becomes impossible to fulfill these responsibilities effectively, and that is exactly what is happening,” one official said.

They suggested that committees related to specific fields should be chaired by officers from the relevant cadres. “This would not only reduce the DC`s workload but also ensure that these committees function more effectively,” they added.

The high number of committees under DCs has sparked calls for reform in the current administrative structure. Delegating leadership to relevant experts and cadres in specialized committees could improve efficiency and allow DCs to focus on their core responsibilities.

As the central government looks to streamline governance, addressing the heavy administrative burden on DCs could enhance the effectiveness of field administration across the country.