Govt officials must be ready to serve in any role: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said government officials must be mentally prepared to work in all positions, stressing that every role in public administration is equally important.

“If professionalism is compromised only for promotion or posting in one’s preferred place, you may benefit temporarily, but it negatively affects the efficiency and neutrality of public administration as a whole,” he said while addressing the Deputy Commissioners’ (DCs) Conference in Dhaka this morning.

The prime minister formally inaugurated the four-day DCs Conference-2026 around 10:30am at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium, which will continue until May 6.

Tarique Rahman, also chairman of the ruling BNP, said the tendency among officials to seek preferred postings contributes to corruption and undermines professionalism.

“Therefore, my special request to you is to consider every path in public administration as important and inevitable. Keep yourself mentally prepared to perform duties in any position of public administration, at any place in the country, at any time,” he said.

He noted that honesty, merit and efficiency remain the key principles in recruitment, transfer and promotion, adding that the government is committed to ensuring accountability, transparent recruitment in vacant posts, strengthening the Public Service Commission (PSC), and formulating private service rules.

Cabinet members, advisers, the cabinet secretary, chiefs of the three services, divisional commissioners and other senior officials were present at the inaugural ceremony.

The prime minister walked from his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat to the venue around 10:20am. People on both sides of the road greeted him, and he waved back.

Saying the present government reflects the aspirations of the people for accountable, justice-based and welfare-oriented governance, he said public expectations should be reflected in every government action.

“Divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners are the main bridge between the government and the people. The success of the activities undertaken by the government depends entirely on your honesty, efficiency and sense of responsibility,” he said.

At the outset, he thanked officials for their role in the last national election.

“You have proved in the 12 (February) election that if public administration works properly, the people's verdict is definitely reflected,” he said.

Referring to a children’s sports event he attended, the prime minister urged DCs to adopt a forward-looking spirit. “That is, moving forward -- let that be the spirit of today’s event,” he added.

This is the first DC Conference since the BNP formed the government in February this year.

The prime minister said the government began its journey amid a fragile economy, a weakened and divided public administration, and a deteriorating law and order situation.

“However, with your cooperation, we have been able to change much of that situation in these two and a half months,” he said, adding that corruption and looting during the previous regime had burdened the state and its people.

He also referred to the ongoing global war situation as a challenge affecting Bangladesh.

“However, our effort is how we can all together face the situation without increasing the suffering of the people. With your cooperation, we have continued that effort,” he said.

The government aims to establish a justice-based welfare state rooted in the country’s religious and social values, he said, adding that various initiatives have been taken to improve people’s living standards.

“Through public administration, we have already introduced Family Card, Farmers’ Card, sports-related initiatives, and monthly honorariums for imams, muezzins and other religious leaders,” he said.

The prime minister said the government is committed to gradually implementing its election manifesto and the July Charter.

“We are committed in this regard. I hope you will be able to play a role in efficiently implementing every promise made by the government to the people with your talent and qualifications, In Shaa Allah,” he said.

Advising DCs not to use excessive rules and complications as excuses, he said decisions should be realistic, effective and in the public interest so that people receive services on time.

Mentioning the rise of artificial intelligence, he said officials must prepare themselves to remain competitive globally.

He also said the conference should serve as a platform to reflect field-level experiences, limitations and ideas in national policymaking.

Calling DCs the government’s administrative ambassadors at the field level, he stressed controlling commodity prices, maintaining market discipline and ensuring fair prices for farmers.

He called for effective and visible mobile court operations and instructed officials to prevent harassment, delays and irregularities in public services.

“You should seriously address any legitimate complaint of the people. Strict measures must be taken to maintain law and order, control drug abuse, maintain communal harmony, and prevent child marriage and violence against women and children,” he said.

Stressing national unity, he said, “Differences of opinion may exist among us. But in the interest of the country, personally as a political worker, I believe ‘Bangladesh First’.”

A total of 34 sessions will be held during the four-day conference, including 30 working sessions, with participation from 56 ministries and divisions.

A total of 1,729 proposals were submitted by DCs on governance issues, of which 498 have been included in the working papers. The highest number, 44 proposals, relate to the Health Services Division.

Ministers and state ministers of the participating ministries and divisions will provide instructions to deputy commissioners on their respective sectors.