The latest decision has dispelled the frustrations and resentment among ministers, lawmakers and leaders of the BNP and its allies, which were created by the last few weeks' 'drama' over the recruitment.

The recruitment process began in May after the government ordered for completion of recruitment against 70 percent vacant posts of class three (clerks and personal staff) and class four (peons, drivers, cleaners) employees by October 31.

Around 60,000 such posts remained vacant under different ministries and district administrations until October. Of the total, the district and other lower level offices were to recruit some 20,000 people, official sources said.

But the 'drama' began when the government all of a sudden on October 28 suspended the recruitment process amid widespread allegations of corruption, irregularities, nepotism and political influence in the recruitment process.

On November 20, the government cancelled all complete and incomplete recruitment. And finally on Sunday, the government revoked the cancellation order declaring the recruitment until October 28 valid, amid pressure from the ruling party.

There were allegations that some recruitment was done secretly even after October 28 as the district officials issued appointment letters with backdate signature.

Reliable sources said the suspension order came following intelligence and field level reports that the district administration in collaboration with a section of BNP leaders had recruited many pro-Awami League people. Influenced by some leaders, the prime minister later cancelled the whole recruitment process, they argued.

But the cancellation sparked a serious backlash in the rank and file of BNP leaders and officials. As ministers, MPs and senior leaders lobbied for the withdrawal of the cancellation order, the prime minister was finally convinced to reverse it.

Sources at the Prime Minister's Office said some senior ministers argued that the appointees might move against BNP if they do not retain the jobs. It may also leave a negative impact on the next general elections as lakhs of people were involved.

Meanwhile, the aggrieved employees, who were already appointed by the district administrations, started demonstrations across the country against the cancellation.

Local leaders of BNP allegedly provoked the aggrieved employees and their families to go for street demonstration aiming to create pressure on the government. It is alleged that the leaders did so because they took bribes while getting them jobs.

Sources estimated that the district officials and ruling party leaders shared around Tk 100 crore through the recruitment of class three and four employees.

Officials said 55 districts have completed recruitment of employees and most of them were given appointment letters before October 28. The newly recruited people also drew salaries and festival bonus before the government cancelled the recruitment.

When the recruitment was cancelled, the aggrieved employees even filed cases against the government order in Pabna, Thakurgaon and Panchagarh, which was another reason for the withdrawal of the cancellation order, sources said.