Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday called on deputy commissioners (DCs) to play a proactive role in implementing the government’s promises made to the people with a spirit to move ahead, stressing accountability, transparency and efficiency in building a people-friendly administration.

“I hope that, with your talent and competence, you will be able to play a vital role in efficiently implementing every promise made by the government to the people,” he said while inaugurating the four-day DC Conference-2026 at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium.

PM opens DC Conference, issues directives on govt priorities for field administration

The Prime Minister categorically said the government is committed to implementing every pledge of its election manifesto and the July National Charter as signed before the people. “We will implement each commitment step by step.”

“You are at the highest level of administration in running the state. You are one of the main driving forces in building a strong, accountable, lawful and people-friendly state system,” he told the DCs.

Highlighting governance priorities, Tarique Rahman said good governance is the foundation of the current administration and requires efficient management, capable leadership and accountability.

He said the government’s position against corruption is clear and that it does not want to make any compromise with corruption.

In his directives to the DCs, the Prime Minister emphasised the timely implementation of development projects, maintaining transparency in expenditure and ensuring quality in work.

He also urged officials not to use excessive legal complexities as excuses, but to adopt practical, effective and people-oriented decision-making so that citizens can receive timely benefits from government programmes.

Referring to sports talent programme – Notun Kuri Sports – inaugurated in Sylhet on Saturday, Tarique Rahman said enthusiasm of young participants should inspire officials. “Let our spirit be like those children – their desire to move forward. That should be the spirit of this conference,” he said.

He also warned against compromising professionalism for promotions or preferred postings, saying such practices weaken neutrality and efficiency in public administration.

“All positions in administration are equally important. Officials must be mentally prepared to serve anywhere in the country and take on any responsibility,” the Prime Minister said.

He noted that public expectations are high as the government has been elected through a democratic process, and people now want to see real outcomes from its policies and programmes.

Describing DCs and divisional commissioners as the bridge between the government and the people, Tarique Rahman said the success of government initiatives largely depends on their integrity, efficiency and sense of responsibility.

He said the government had to begin its journey amid a fragile economy, weakened institutions and a challenging law-and-order situation. “Through your support, we have been able to improve the situation to a large extent within a short time, though much remains to be done,” he said.

The head of government alleged that corruption and mismanagement during the previous fascist regime left the country burdened with huge debt and an import-dependent economy, along with rising poverty and unemployment.

Citing global challenges, including the Middle East war, he said Bangladesh is also affected, but the government is trying to manage the situation without escalating people’s suffering.

“We want to build a just and welfare-oriented state based on our social and moral values,” Tarique Rahman added.

The conference began at 10:30am at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium, where a video presentation on the government's development activities was made.

This is the first DC Conference since the formation of the government following BNP's landslide victory in the 13th parliamentary election held on February 12.

During the conference that will end on May 6, the DCs will also pay courtesy calls on the President, the Speaker and the Chief Justice. Separate working sessions will be held with the Chief Election Commissioner and the Anti-Corruption Commission.

The DC Conference is held annually to facilitate direct interaction between government policymakers and the district administrators, and to provide necessary policy guidance.