Issuing DO letters for transfers, postings is an offence: Ministry

Dhaka, 12 Feb  – Requesting transfers and postings through Demi Official (DO) letters or verbal appeals is an offence as it violates the code of conduct, the Ministry of Public Administration has said.

In an official order issued on Tuesday, the ministry clarified that the transfer and posting process for deputy secretaries and non-cadre officials across ministries, departments and agencies is governed strictly by the Rules of Business.

Any attempt to influence these decisions through DO letters or informal requests is considered an offence.

"Recently, it has been observed that some officials are requesting transfers according to their preferences through semi-official letters or verbally from advisors, senior secretaries, secretaries, or other higher levels to the Ministry of Public Administration, which constitutes an offence under Rule 20 of the Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1979," the ministry says.

According to Rule 20 of the Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, a government employee is not allowed to directly or indirectly approach any Member of Parliament or others for intervention on their behalf.