Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday directed government officials to ensure that every penny allocated for development projects is spent properly in the interests of the country and its people.

“Many projects have been undertaken and many targets set. The government will allocate budgets to achieve those targets. But this is public money. I hope you will all pay attention to ensuring that every penny is spent properly in the national interest and for the welfare of people,” he said.

The Prime Minister made the remarks at a meeting to review the activities of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock and the progress of its various development projects at the ministry’s conference room at Secretariat.

Officials briefed him on the ministry’s ongoing activities, development projects, future plans and targets.

Urging officials to view public service as an opportunity to work for people, Tarique said those holding government positions were privileged compared with the country’s overall population.

“We are all privileged compared with the overall population of Bangladesh. Almighty Allah has given us an opportunity to work for our country and its people,” he said.

Tarique urged officials to perform their duties sincerely, according to their respective responsibilities and capabilities.

The Prime Minister said opportunities to serve in public office did not last forever, and everyone should make proper use of the time available to them to work for the welfare of the country and its people.

“Let us all try to make proper use of the opportunity, for as long as we have it, to work for  people and the country,” he said at the end of the meeting.

Tarique Rahman also encouraged officials to share their views more actively, saying their field-level experience and observations could play an important role in government decision-making.

He said the progress of the ministry’s activities would be reviewed again in future meetings, expressing hope that officials would speak more openly about their experiences, observations and opinions.

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid, State Minister Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Secretary Delwar Hossain and senior ministry officials attended the meeting.