Dhaka: Stating that every position in public administration is important for the government, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today emphasized the necessity for government officials to maintain a mentality that allows them to work in all positions. Addressing the Deputy Commissioners’ (DCs) Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium, the Prime Minister highlighted the detriment to public administration efficiency and neutrality when professionalism is compromised in favor of personal preference for promotions or postings.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Prime Minister formally inaugurated the four-day DCs Conference-2026, which will continue until May 6. Tarique Rahman, who is also the ruling BNP chairman, identified the desire for preferred postings as a key factor contributing to corruption and unprofessional conduct among government officials. He urged officials to be mentally prepared to perform their duties in any position and location across the country.
The Prime Minister outlined the government’s commitment to ensuring accountability in the administrative structure, emphasizing recruitment, transfer, and promotion based on honesty, merit, and efficiency. He also stressed the importance of quick recruitment for vacant posts, forming a robust Public Service Commission (PSC), and crafting private service rules.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by cabinet members, advisers, the cabinet secretary, chiefs of three services, senior officials, and divisional commissioners. The Prime Minister walked from his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat to the auditorium, receiving greetings from people on both sides of the road.
Highlighting his government as a reflection of public aspirations for accountable and welfare-oriented governance, the Prime Minister stated that the success of governmental initiatives relies heavily on the honesty, efficiency, and responsibility of the DCs. He praised the professionalism displayed by officials during the last national election, asserting that proper functioning of public administration reflects the people’s verdict.
Tarique Rahman further linked the spirit of progress he witnessed in a sports event for children to the spirit he believes should motivate the conference’s proceedings. The event saw contributions from the Prime Minister’s Adviser for Public Administration Ministry Md Ismail Zabihullah, State Minister Md Abdul Bari, and Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, among others.
As the first DC Conference since the BNP formed the government in February, the Prime Minister noted the challenges faced due to the fragile economy, divided public administration, and deteriorating law and order situation. Despite these challenges, he commended the efforts made to improve conditions over the past two and a half months, while also acknowledging the ongoing challenges posed by global conflicts.
The Prime Minister expressed the government’s dedication to establishing a justice-based welfare state and improving living standards for all professions and classes, citing initiatives like the Family Card, Farmer Card, and monthly honorariums for religious leaders. He encouraged DCs to play a crucial role in implementing the government’s election manifesto and commitments.
Emphasizing realistic and effective decision-making, the Prime Minister urged DCs to avoid using excessive regulations as excuses and to ensure public administration aligns with the people’s expectations. He stressed the importance of adapting to the age of Artificial Intelligence and ensuring the conference serves as a platform for reflecting field administration experiences in national decision-making.
Tarique Rahman called on DCs to act as administrative ambassadors, focusing on controlling commodity prices, maintaining market discipline, and ensuring fair prices for farmers. He also highlighted the importance of effective mobile court operations and preventing unnecessary harassment in government offices.
The conference will feature 34 sessions, including 30 working sessions across 56 ministries or divisions. Of the 1,729 proposals submitted by the DCs, 498 have been included in the working papers, with the highest number related to the Health Services Division. Ministers and state ministers will provide necessary instructions to the DCs during the conference.
Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha