Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday called upon 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.

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.”

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

“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. “It requires efficient management, capable leadership and, above all, 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 the highest transparency in expenditure and ensuring quality in work.

He also urged officials not to use excessive legal complexities as excuses, but to adopt realistic, 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 said the tendency of always seeking appointments or postings in preferred positions is one of the key reasons behind corruption and lack of professionalism among government officials.

“So, my special request to you is to consider every path in public administration as important and unavoidable. Keep yourselves mentally prepared to perform duties in any position within public administration, at any place in the country, at any time,” Tarique said.

He said honesty, merit and efficiency must be the guiding principles in recruitment, transfers and promotions in public administration.

The government is firmly committed to ensuring effectiveness and accountability across the administrative structure, including recruiting personnel to vacant posts with transparency and promptness, forming a strong Public Service Commission (PSC), and formulating private service rules, Tarique said.

Referring to rapid technological changes, he said that public administration officials must prepare themselves to face and adapt to the changing times in order to survive in global competition.

“In this era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, we should think about how public administration can be made more timely, efficient, transparent, and accountable through artificial intelligence, automation, and digital technology. I think as artificial intelligence and related technologies are advancing, we have no alternative but to develop ourselves in these areas,” 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 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 religious values,” Tarique added.

He said the government has already launched several welfare programmes, including the Family Card, Farmers' Card, Sports Card and monthly allowances for imams, muezzins and other religious leaders.

“Our goal is to bring every citizen under the state's social safety net, regardless of political affiliation,” said Tarique, also the Chairman of ruling BNP.

He also reiterated the government's plan to excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals across the country over the next five years, involving local people to improve water management and irrigation.

Terming DCs the government's ambassadors at the field level, he said the conference should not remain a mere formal gathering.

“It should be a platform where the practical experiences, limitations, needs and innovative ideas of field administrators are reflected in decision-making at national level,” Tarique said.

The Prime Minister directed DCs to regularly monitor markets to keep prices stable, prevent hoarding and stop any attempt to create artificial shortages.

“Price stability is directly linked to social stability and public confidence,” he said.

The Prime Minister also stressed the need to ensure fair prices for farmers and provide them with adequate access to fertiliser, seeds, irrigation, storage and marketing facilities.

Tarique called for regular and visible mobile court drives to enforce laws and protect public interest.

He particularly asked officials to ensure that shopping centres and marketplaces avoid unnecessary electricity use after 7:00pm in view of the ongoing global energy situation.

The Prime Minister also instructed officials to make government services free from harassment and unnecessary delays.

“People seeking services must not suffer from irregularities, delays or harassment. Legitimate complaints should always be addressed seriously,” he said.

Tarique also asked DCs to take strict action against child marriage, violence against women and children, drug abuse and food adulteration, while preserving communal harmony.

He also instructed them to play a pivotal role in ensuring law and order and maintaining communal harmony. 

“Taking effective measures against food adulteration is very essential. Food adulteration affects all of us. So, it is necessary to remain vigilant about this issue. There is also a need to raise social awareness in this regard,” the Prime Minister

He said by ensuring coordination with local leadership and adopting proactive administrative measures, public administration could be made more people-oriented, and as a result, the public would not be deprived of the benefits of government activities.

The Prime Minister said alongside political leadership, the government relies on public administration to implement all people-oriented initiatives.

 He said the government has identified various sectors and taken steps to create employment opportunities both at home and abroad.

Emphasising the need for collective effort, Tarique said everyone must come forward to equip young people with skills, expand technology-based employment, and help them grow as entrepreneurs.

He also stressed the importance of increasing opportunities for sports, cultural activities, and voluntary participation in public welfare, citing initiatives such as local cleaning drives and canal excavation in different areas.

The Prime Minister urged district administrations to organise sports, debates and cultural events throughout the year instead of limiting them to specific national occasions.

“Why should sports only be held in winter? Why should cultural programmes be confined to March 26, December 16 or February 21? These activities should continue all year round,” he said.

The Prime Minister said such initiatives would help steer young people away from harmful influences by offering them positive alternatives.

Tarique also suggested recognising acts of bravery, social service and outstanding performance by teachers and students at district and national levels.

“We can change society gradually by encouraging good deeds and positive values,” he said.

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh aims to become a technology-driven, knowledge-based and ethical state where discrimination is reduced, regardless of religion, race, opinion or political identity.

“National unity is our greatest strength. We may have differences of opinion, but when it comes to the country's interests, Bangladesh must always come first,” he said.

Prime Minister's Adviser Ismail Zabihullah, State Minister for Public Administration Abdul Bari, Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar, among others, spoke at the programme with Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani in the chair.

The conference began at 10:30am with a video presentation highlighting the government's development activities.

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.