An appeal from second class officers of MoFA
Thursday, 11 March 2010
WE, the second class officers, are important functionaries of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of the government of Bangladesh. But it is a matter of regret that we are being deprived of our legal rights from the very beginning. We would like to take the opportunity, through this column, to draw the kind attention of the higher authority of the MoFA to the following points in support of issuing Diplomatic Passports to the second class officers of the ministry.
The second class officers in the overseas missions of the country do not get the facility of diplomatic passport-holders. For such postings, foreign allowance equivalent to third class officers' level was earlier given. The foreign allowance that we now get in all the missions, has been revised. There should be no discrepancy between the officers/government employees belonging to the same level. They should not be treated differently. It is illogical. Hence, we should also be entitled to Diplomatic Passports.
An Attaché'(Consular) is not entitled to entertainment allowance. Therefore, the government will not have to spend any more money for giving us the diplomatic status by providing diplomatic passports. Whatever benefits we will then enjoy under the facility, will be available only from the host countries. As officials of the Republic, we will be benefited.
No additional financial involvement is necessary so the government may favourably consider our case. As far as we know, the second class officers in the missions of the SAARC and the ASEAN developing countries are given the privilege of 'home leave'. It is very important because the officials under mention have to leave their parents and other relatives in Bangladesh to stay abroad for a long time, covering five to six years. If this facility is given, second officers may be given low-cost return tickets for economy class (at cut fare rate).
For issuing diplomatic passports to second class officers in missions abroad, the only requirement, would be the approval of the government. The MoFA does not allow the second class officers the signing authority in official letters, except noting. We need to have the signing authority, too. If we are allowed to have diplomatic passports, we can sign the official letters, including dealing with consular matters. The Second Class Officers Association should raise these issues with the Ministry.
After having the experience of some years on the job, the Second Class Officers do deserve to be promoted to the rank and status of Assistant Secretaries. Without promotion, none can really have the zeal for doing duties with full power and ability.
Md. Abdur Rahman Khan
240, Dholai Par (West)
Dhaka-1204
Bangladesh
E-mail : durontoislam@yahoo.co.uk
The second class officers in the overseas missions of the country do not get the facility of diplomatic passport-holders. For such postings, foreign allowance equivalent to third class officers' level was earlier given. The foreign allowance that we now get in all the missions, has been revised. There should be no discrepancy between the officers/government employees belonging to the same level. They should not be treated differently. It is illogical. Hence, we should also be entitled to Diplomatic Passports.
An Attaché'(Consular) is not entitled to entertainment allowance. Therefore, the government will not have to spend any more money for giving us the diplomatic status by providing diplomatic passports. Whatever benefits we will then enjoy under the facility, will be available only from the host countries. As officials of the Republic, we will be benefited.
No additional financial involvement is necessary so the government may favourably consider our case. As far as we know, the second class officers in the missions of the SAARC and the ASEAN developing countries are given the privilege of 'home leave'. It is very important because the officials under mention have to leave their parents and other relatives in Bangladesh to stay abroad for a long time, covering five to six years. If this facility is given, second officers may be given low-cost return tickets for economy class (at cut fare rate).
For issuing diplomatic passports to second class officers in missions abroad, the only requirement, would be the approval of the government. The MoFA does not allow the second class officers the signing authority in official letters, except noting. We need to have the signing authority, too. If we are allowed to have diplomatic passports, we can sign the official letters, including dealing with consular matters. The Second Class Officers Association should raise these issues with the Ministry.
After having the experience of some years on the job, the Second Class Officers do deserve to be promoted to the rank and status of Assistant Secretaries. Without promotion, none can really have the zeal for doing duties with full power and ability.
Md. Abdur Rahman Khan
240, Dholai Par (West)
Dhaka-1204
Bangladesh
E-mail : durontoislam@yahoo.co.uk