BASIS Balancing Act: Administrator Pushes for Quick Polls Amid Internal Strife
Abul Khair Mohammad Hafizullah Khan, Joint Secretary of the Local Government Division and newly appointed Administrator of the Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), has completed one month in office. However, much of that time was spent abroad, leaving him effectively able to serve for only about half the period. Despite the challenges and what he described as “unpleasant situations,” Hafizullah Khan remains determined to hold the long-awaited election as soon as possible and hand over responsibility to the elected representatives.
To this end, he has already sought ministry approval to form an appeal board for overseeing the election process, as well as a supporting committee as per demands. Positive outcomes are expected within the week, paving the way for renewed electoral momentum starting next week.
Speaking to DigiBanglaTech.news on Monday, September 13, the additional duty–holding Joint Secretary shared his initial experiences, acknowledging the discomfort he faced early in his tenure.
“BASIS is now divided into several factions. So, starting work here was not very pleasant,” he said. “Soon after my appointment, while I was on an official trip to the Netherlands, someone placed a stand banner in front of the BASIS office containing words inappropriate for such a respected business organization. After I explained the issue, it was removed. Later, one group sent me a letter in an unwarranted tone. I now have to bring all these groups together and move forward.”
He continued, “I want to complete the election as soon as possible and hand over responsibility to the elected leaders. But if this situation continues, I will step down. In that case, BASIS might fall into a deeper crisis. If I receive their cooperation, I will complete the election quickly. Work on that has already started. I expect to announce the Election Appeal Board within this week. As forming a supporting committee from among 2,700 members is not easy, I have requested the ministry to handle that responsibility. I will follow ministry directives and remain accountable to my superiors. But if anyone tries to make me controversial beyond that, I do not wish to continue this additional role.”
Meanwhile, on Sunday, October 12, marking one month since assuming office, Administrator Hafizullah Khan paid a courtesy visit to ICT Division Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury. During the meeting, he briefed the Secretary on BASIS’s current condition and his plans for conducting the election.
Earlier, on September 10, Hafizullah Khan was officially appointed as the Administrator of BASIS. Following his appointment, he remained abroad from September 27 to October 10 and is scheduled to travel overseas again on October 14.
