State Minister for Public Administration Md. Abdul Bari has said government officials must be honest, competent and impartial. The government is building an accountable civil service system that will ensure transparency, the rule of law and prevention of corruption.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at the certificate distribution and closing ceremony of the 146th, 147th and 148th Law and Administration Courses at the Bangladesh Civil Service Administration Academy in Shahbagh on Thursday (October 8).

Regarding the upcoming local government elections, the state minister said it is the responsibility of the field administration to ensure that voters can cast their ballots freely. He urged all officials to remain neutral during the elections.

Highlighting various government initiatives, he mentioned family cards for women, easy access to agricultural inputs and financial support for farmers, healthcare services across the country and canal excavation programmes. He also said there is a plan to supply water from the Bay of Bengal as Dhaka’s groundwater level continues to decline.

He further said the National Board of Revenue (NBR) is working to increase VAT and tax collection. Salaries of government employees have been increased, and efforts will continue to provide additional benefits in the future according to the government’s capacity.

The state minister said the growing number of officials with specialised educational backgrounds requires greater expertise in project management, mobilisation of local resources, artificial intelligence and modern technologies. He added that initiatives are being taken to ensure at least basic training for all government officials.

Addressing the trainees, the state minister urged them to work on the basis of mutual respect and coordination rather than with an authoritarian mindset. He also called on them to keep the doors of government offices open to the public at all times.

The event was chaired by Academy Rector (Secretary) Dr. Mohammad Altaf-ul-Alam. Course Director Md. Golam Mawla, trainees and senior officials of the ministry and the academy were also present.