As many as six secretaries, 30 additional secretaries and 240 other government officials are now working as officer on special duty (OSD) for different reasons.

Of the 240 officials, 162 are joint secretaries while 78 deputy secretaries.

LGRD Minister Syed Ashraful Islam, also in-charge of establishment ministry in the parliamentary affairs, yesterday said this in the House in response to lawmakers' queries.

The minister cited various reasons for making those officers OSDs. The reasons include public interest, promotion to higher posts, trainings, corruption charges etc.

He said the officials do not have any difficulty in drawing their salaries and enjoying service facilities.

Meanwhile, replying to lawmakers' queries, Law Minister Shafique Ahmed said the government is considering setting up permanent attorney service to recruit public prosecutors to conduct the cases involving public interest.

In response to another query, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Abdul Latif Biswas said the country is facing shortage of fish by around 60,000 metric tonnes. This shortfall is being met through importing, he said.