State Minister for Land, and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin on Monday said securing a government job through a transparent recruitment process for only Tk 125, without lobbying or bribery, is unprecedented in Bangladesh.

He made the remarks while addressing the inauguration of an orientation programme for newly recruited Peshkars (court clerks) at the central seminar hall of the Directorate of Land Records and Surveys (DLRS) in the Bhumi Bhaban in Tejgaon.

Land Minister Md Mizanur Rahman Minu attended the programme as the chief guest with DLRS Director General Md Abul Hasanath Humayun Kabir in the chair.

Addressing the new recruits, Mir Helal said they obtained their jobs without any recommendation or undue influence by paying only Tk 125 in application fees, describing their accounts of the recruitment process as "truly inspiring."

He alleged that the country had been plagued by corruption and irregularities over the past 20 years and said misconduct by a small number of dishonest officials at the field level had tarnished the image of the entire land administration.

Urging the recruits to uphold integrity, the state minister said they must perform their duties with honesty and remain away from corruption.

Highlighting the importance of public service, he quoted Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as saying that citizens visiting government offices for services are the "true owners of the country."

"You must realise that the people are the owners of the country and deserve the highest standard of service," Mir Helal said, urging officials to embrace the spirit of "Bangladesh First" in building a self-reliant nation and ensuring equitable services for all, particularly marginalised communities.

Speaking as the chief guest, Land Minister Minu praised the transparency of the recruitment process and the merit-based selection of the new employees.

He said the government remains committed to reducing social inequality, improving the welfare of underprivileged people and establishing a corruption-free working environment.

Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Land ASM Saleh Ahmed, Chairman of the Land Appeal Board Md Abdullah Al Baki, Chairman of the Land Reform Board AJM Salahuddin Nagri, and senior officials of the Ministry of Land and the Directorate of Land Records and Surveys were present.