Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has called upon government employees to make efforts in building an efficient, accountable, and technology-driven administration to fulfill public expectations and their wellbeing. ‘The state is not the personal device of any individual or government; rather, the will of the people is the main driving force behind running the state,’ he told a views-exchange meeting with officials from different wings of the ministry at its conference room here today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Swapon emphasized the need to overcome the long-standing tendency to view the government and the state as the same entity. He stressed that the collective opinion of the people drives the state and that the responsibility of an elected government is to transform that will into welfare-oriented activities. The minister highlighted the necessity of directing the scattered capabilities of officials towards specific goals to improve administrative effectiveness.
Drawing a parallel to science, Swapon remarked, ‘Just as dispersed light becomes much more powerful when transformed into a laser, similarly, if the combined skills and sincerity of administrative officials are properly utilized, the administration can become far more productive.’ He underscored the importance of collective knowledge and advocated for transparency of information, noting that a lack of transparency creates suspicion among the public.
Swapon urged for the full digitalization of administrative processes to be expedited at all levels. He also called for reducing conventional bureaucratic distance and fostering a free and participatory work environment for officials. By encouraging creative opinions and constructive suggestions, the minister seeks to enhance the effectiveness of government operations.
Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farjana and other senior officials from various departments and divisions of the ministry were present at the meeting, supporting Swapon’s call for a more transparent and efficient administration.