The crucial post of Senior Secretary at the Ministry of Public Administration has finally been filled after remaining vacant for three weeks, with Ehsanul Haque appointed to the position.

The ministry announced the appointment through a gazette notification on Sunday, stating that the order, issued “in the public interest,” takes effect immediately.

Ehsan, a senior official of the 1982 BCS (Administration) cadre, had been serving as Senior Secretary at the Road Transport and Highways Division before his latest assignment under the interim government.

The post became vacant after former Senior Secretary Mezbah Uddin Chowdhury was removed following the fall of the Awami League government on August 28, 2024.

He was succeeded by retired Additional Secretary Md Mokhlesur Rahman, who was appointed on a two-year contractual basis. However, Rahman was transferred to the Planning Commission as a member on September 21—just one year into his tenure.

During his time in office, Mokhlesur Rahman drew attention amid widespread reshuffles of deputy commissioners (DCs) and allegations of financial transactions linked to the transfers, which he categorically denied as “completely baseless.”

Following his transfer, the ministry’s top post remained unoccupied, slowing down several administrative tasks related to recruitment, transfers, and promotions in the field administration. Some key financial decisions were also stalled.

Officials said the interim government took time to finalize the appointment due to political consultations and lobbying pressures over the choice.

Ehsan, who retired during the previous Awami League administration, was reinstated on contract in August 2024 and assigned to the Road Transport and Highways Division.

With his new appointment, he will now lead the Ministry of Public Administration—considered the nerve center of policymaking, transfers, promotions, and field-level administration.

Officials hope his appointment will help restore normalcy and momentum to the ministry’s operations.