Tensions have gripped the civil administration as many officials fear the axe in the wake of forced retirement of Prime Minister's Acting SecretaryAHM Nurul Islam.

High officials said numbers of civil servants, including top officials who have good relations with Islam, are fearing losing job to a hate campaign by the anti-Islam camp.

The camp, which brings together largely junior officials at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and the secretariat, are trying to get their rivals sacked painting them as sympathisers of the main opposition Awami League.

Islam was forced into retirement on June 3 for allegedly leaking official documents and unilaterally initiating a probe into the allegations of corruption against Tarique Rahman, elder son of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, on the basis of an unnamed letter.

A speculation of forcing half a dozen acting secretaries and some additional secretaries at different ministries into retirement for having links with Islam is circulating in the secretariat.

Officials said a major administrative change involving officials in key positions with a focus on removing civil servants with links to Islam was on the cards.

Sources alleged an assistant private secretary (APS) to the prime minister who mobilised officials and BNP leaders for the removal of Islam was now working to identify pro-Islam officials.

Sources said the APS influenced promotion, posting and appointment of bureaucrats after the BNP took office.

A deputy press secretary to the premier, known previously as a strong supporter of Islam, changed his face after the forced retirement and was now promoting press coverage against him.

They said the changed face of the officials surprised many in the administration.