Assistant commissioner (Bangladesh)

The Assistant Commissioner (AC) is a key entry-level position in the Bangladesh Civil Service (Administration) cadre. These officers are the field-level representatives of the government and perform a wide range of administrative and magisterial duties at the Upazila (sub-district) and District levels.

Responsibilities and Functions:

Assistant Commissioners are involved in various aspects of governance, including:

• Land Administration: They play a vital role in land management, including mutation, record keeping, collection of land revenue, and resolving land disputes.
• Magisterial Functions: They exercise magisterial powers under various laws, including maintaining law and order, conducting mobile courts to address public grievances like food adulteration and traffic violations, and overseeing jail administration.
• Executive Magistrate Duties: They can be appointed as Executive Magistrates and can exercise powers under the Code of Criminal Procedure.
• Revenue Collection: They are responsible for the collection of various types of revenue for the government.
• Development Administration: ACs participate in the planning and implementation of various development projects at the Upazila level.
• Disaster Management: They are involved in disaster preparedness, relief operations, and rehabilitation efforts.
• Conducting Elections: ACs play a crucial role in the conduct of national and local government elections, including acting as Returning Officers or Assistant Returning Officers.
• Protocol Duties: They assist in organizing official events and ceremonies.
• Public Grievance Redressal: ACs are involved in addressing public grievances and ensuring that government services are delivered efficiently.
• General Administration: They assist the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) in various administrative tasks.
• Monitoring Government Projects: They monitor the progress of various government projects at the grassroots level.

Recruitment and Training:

Assistant Commissioners are recruited through a competitive examination conducted by the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC). After recruitment, they undergo foundational training at the Bangladesh Civil Service Academy (BCSA). Further specialized training is also provided throughout their career.

Hierarchy and Career Progression:

The position of Assistant Commissioner is the starting point for officers in the Bangladesh Civil Service (Administration) cadre. With experience and further promotions, they can rise to higher positions such as Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Deputy Commissioner (DC), Divisional Commissioner, and Secretary to the Government.