Dhaka, Jan. 22 -- A prolonged delay in regular promotions has triggered a deep crisis within the public administration, leaving hundreds of officials in three tiers frustrated.

According to insiders, nearly 800 qualified officers are still waiting for promotion, including around 350 eligible for the rank of additional secretary, about 345 for joint secretary and at least 84 for deputy secretary.

Many of them say the prolonged delay has created widespread frustration and resentment within the civil service.

Senior officials and administration experts said uncertainty over promotions has intensified since the announcement of the schedule for the 13th parliamentary election although the election process itself poses no legal barrier to ro...