In Bangladesh, there is constant discussion about the working environment, quality of public services, and the efficiency of government officials and employees. However, the long-term effectiveness of an institution does not depend solely on its digital infrastructure or administrative structure; to a significant extent, it depends on the physical and mental health of its officials and employees. Government offices have a designated 30-minute lunch and prayer break from 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Since Jumu'ah is not relevant here and most mosques in the country generally begin the Zuhr congregational prayer around 1:30 p.m., there is a need for the concerned authorities, including the Islamic Foundation where appropriate, to consider better coordination between the prayer congregation and the official lunch break. However, this break is not merely an administrative practice; it can also be viewed as a health-protective measure that should be aligned, as far as practicable, with human chronobiology, or the body's biological clock (circadian rhythm). Unfortunately, due to a lack of public awareness on the one hand and the absence of a consistent practice of observing the scheduled break in offices on the other, the designated period is not always properly reflected in practice. As a result, the metabolic health risks of officials and employees may increase, while service seekers may also face inconvenience because they are often unaware of the designated break period.
From an administrative perspective, one of the fundamental principles underlying the Government Servants' Conduct Rules and relevant disciplinary regulations is the proper discharge of official responsibilities while maintaining employees' capacity to perform effectively. Medical science indicates that eating at reasonably consistent times and taking short breaks during work can support normal digestion and metabolic regulation. When regular meal schedules are repeatedly disrupted, metabolic processes involving the liver and pancreas may be affected, potentially disturbing normal blood-glucose regulation.
Studies published in internationally recognized medical and public-health journals, including research appearing in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, have examined associations between irregular eating patterns, delayed meals and metabolic health. Such patterns have been linked with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, including insulin resistance, obesity, fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes and elevated triglyceride levels. Keeping the brain and body engaged for three or four consecutive hours without an appropriate opportunity for a midday meal may also contribute to stress and fatigue. A physically unwell employee or an official suffering from a chronic condition may find it difficult to provide citizens with the highest level of efficiency, patience and courtesy. Therefore, a disciplined approach to meal timing can be viewed as one component of a healthy and productive public-service environment.
From the citizens' perspective, a lack of awareness is also evident. Many service seekers, unaware of the designated break or concerned about the time and expense involved in travelling from distant areas, arrive at government offices precisely between 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. When an official leaves the desk for lunch, confusion and frustration may arise among citizens. Yet this is not necessarily an act of personal negligence or arbitrariness; it is part of the officially prescribed work schedule. Therefore, clearly mentioning the 30-minute break in Citizens' Charters and displaying the schedule on digital counters or visible notice boards could be an effective way to reduce public inconvenience. Consideration could also be given to incorporating adherence to official working hours and service schedules into appropriate performance-management mechanisms.
At the same time, the constitutional and statutory responsibilities of public servants require public services to remain as uninterrupted as reasonably possible. In essential service institutions such as hospitals, police stations, emergency information centres and designated service counters, an internal roster system can ensure that officials and employees have adequate opportunities for lunch while ensuring that service counters are never left unattended. Such an arrangement would create a practical balance between the health and welfare of public employees and the legitimate interests of citizens seeking services.
Relevant public-health and policy institutions- including public-health nutrition authorities, the Directorate General of Health Services, the Directorate General of Family Planning and other policy-making bodies—could consider developing specific Workplace Dietary Guidelines. In many modern workplaces, maintaining a balanced diet and taking meals and breaks at reasonably regular intervals are regarded as important components of employee well-being and productivity. International public-health guidance also emphasizes the importance of creating healthier working environments in order to reduce preventable illness and absenteeism.
In the process of building a healthy Bangladesh, merely digitalizing government offices will not be enough. Officials and employees must also be supported in maintaining good health, energy and mental well-being. The 30-minute midday break should not be viewed as a luxury or an obstacle to public service; rather, it should be regarded as an essential element of a disciplined, healthy and humane working culture. With respect for government rules, sound administrative management and greater public awareness, Bangladesh can develop a more scientific and time-conscious civil service. In the long run, such a culture can contribute to greater productivity, better public services, reduced preventable health burdens and continued improvement in the country's healthcare sector.
Author: Poet, writer, columnist and MPhil researcher, Jahangirnagar University.
