A previous circular of the establishment ministry issued yesterday afternoon, however, had sent Cabinet Secretary M Abu Solaiman Chowdhury on forced retirement. The decision was changed later upon his appeal to go on voluntary retirement.

Four secretaries, including the establishment and home secretaries, were transferred under the package proposal in a bid to regain people's confidence in the caretaker government.

In another circular, the government posted 54 joint secretaries to different ministries on deputation.

The council of advisers had also kept under the package proposal the secretaries to the Election Commission, information and law ministries, and the Local Government Division, but these changes are yet to be made, sources said.

According to establishment ministry circulars, Cabinet Secretary M Abu Solaiman Chowdhury was given forced retirement while his post was given to Ali Imam Majumder, principal secretary to the chief adviser.

Md Abdul Karim, chairman of National Board of Revenue (NBR), was appointed the establishment secretary, his NBR post being given to Establishment Secretary AFM Solaiman Chowdhury.

Home Secretary SM Jahurul Islam was transferred to the Ministry of Environment and Forest as its Secretary Mohammed Haider Ali was made officer-on-special-duty (OSD) at the establishment ministry.

The government appointed Planning Commission Acting Member ATM Sarwar Hossain as a full member of the commission, promoting him as a secretary under the president's quota.

The government was yet to appoint a secretary to the establishment ministry as of filing of this report at 8:45pm last night.

Meanwhile, the reshuffle at the highest level of the administration created rancour among its top brass. A few officers expressed their embarrassment and shock at the transfer under a package deal.

"I really feel embarrassed and insulted for being brought under the package deal. I never served any quarter or favoured anyone during my 25 years' government service," AFM Solaiman Chowdhury told reporters at his office after receiving the transfer order.

He said he may opt not to join the NBR for the remaining 15 working days of his career.

"I will go on a leave for five days and consult with my family members whether I should join the NBR or resign from government service. I may not make significant contribution to an important and technical place like the NBR in only 15 days," he said.

Cabinet Secretary Abu Solaiman said he took voluntary retirement "for the greater interest of the country".