PM tells civil servants to serve anywhere, warns against chasing postings
Desire for preferred postings is key factor behind corruption, he says
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed civil servants to remain prepared to serve in any post and at any location, warning against compromising professionalism for career gains.
Prioritising promotions or preferred postings can weaken the efficiency and neutrality of the administration, he said while inaugurating the four-day Deputy Commissioners (DCs) Conference-2026 in Dhaka yesterday.
"Compromising professionalism for promotions or preferred postings may bring temporary benefits, but it ultimately harms the overall efficiency and impartiality of administration," he added at the event held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium.
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The prime minister said an excessive desire for preferred postings is a key factor behind corruption and unprofessional conduct in the bureaucracy. "I believe this tendency contributes significantly to the erosion of professionalism."
Tarique also reminded that administrative posts are not permanent. "It is essential to maintain the mindset to serve the country regardless of position or location."
The prime minister further said the government assumed office amid one of the most fragile economies in the country's history, burdened with debts amounting to Tk30 lakh crore.
He said corruption during the previous regime had rendered institutions ineffective. He reaffirmed that all pledges under the July Charter would be implemented in phases.
The prime minister formally inaugurated the conference at 10:30am, marking the first such gathering since the current government took office. DCs from across the country are taking part in the conference.
Additional Secretary of the Cabinet Division Humayun Kabir said representatives from 56 ministries and divisions are also attending the event. He said 34 sessions will be held over four days, including 30 working sessions.
He added that 1,729 proposals have been received, with 498 selected for detailed discussion, mostly on health services. The conference will continue until 6 May.
Action plan for field officers
At the event, the prime minister outlined an action plan for field officers, focusing on market regulation, agriculture, governance reform, and service delivery.
On market syndicates, he said strict monitoring must prevent arbitrary price hikes, hoarding, manipulation, and artificial shortages. On farmers, he stressed fair crop prices and access to fertiliser, seeds, irrigation, storage, and efficient marketing.
He proposed a 20,000km canal excavation programme with public participation, aimed at boosting output and rural employment.
On corruption, he said officials must ensure timely project delivery, transparency in spending, and quality outcomes. He urged practical, people-focused decisions, warning against using excessive rules or procedures as excuses.
On digital governance, he said civil servants must adapt to AI, automation, and digital tools to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
On social safety nets, he called for transparent distribution of farmer, family, and sports cards, alongside allowances for imams and muezzins.
He stressed strengthening mobile courts to tackle food adulteration, child marriage, and violence against women and children. On law and order, he prioritised drug control, communal harmony, and preventing harassment in public service delivery.
To support local economies, he emphasised fair farm prices and stronger local development to reduce migration. He urged officials to rise above political affiliations and deliver services impartially.
DCs flag gaps in grassroots care
During a session with the health ministry, DCs highlighted a shortage of ambulances, absenteeism among doctors, and discrepancies in drug inventories.
Briefing the media after the meeting, Health Minister Sakhawat Hossain Bakul said the ministry has decided to strengthen monitoring in hospitals to prevent malpractice, patient harassment, ambulance rackets, and to stop counterfeit medicines.
He added that 10 Ansar personnel, led by a platoon commander, will be deployed at each upazila health complex to improve discipline and security.
The conference also discussed the dengue situation, anti-rabies vaccines, and antivenom supply, he said. The minister said 81% of children nationwide have received measles vaccinations, adding that efforts are under way to bring all children under full immunisation.
Multipurpose exam centres in every upazila
DCs also met with Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon yesterday. After the meeting, the minister said separate multipurpose examination centres will be established in every upazila, alongside a policy for Qawmi madrasas and recruitment of required teachers.
The minister said DCs recommended making education more engaging, noting that many students are reluctant to attend school due to a lack of an enjoyable learning environment.
The minister also announced plans to recruit 77,000 teachers for MPO-listed institutions in phases. He said the appointment of around 32,500 primary headteachers remains stalled due to legal complications, which must be resolved.
He added that 14,300 primary teacher recruitments made by the previous government are being regularised, and around 7,000 teachers will be recruited for government high schools.
