DHAKA – Prime Minister Tariq Rahman emphasized that every position within the government administration holds equal significance, asserting that officials must maintain the mindset to serve in any capacity. He made these remarks as the chief guest during the inauguration of the four-day District Commissioners (DC) Conference-2026, held Sunday morning at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium.

Professionalism Over Personal Gain

The Prime Minister cautioned officials against sacrificing professionalism for the sake of promotions or securing preferred postings. While such actions might offer temporary personal benefits, he noted they ultimately damage the overall efficiency and neutrality of the administration.

"The tendency to seek 'choice postings' often breeds corruption and unprofessional behavior," the Prime Minister stated, calling upon all officers to be prepared to serve anywhere in the country at any time.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making honesty, merit, and competence the sole criteria for recruitment, transfers, and promotions. To ensure this, he highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the Public Service Commission, fill vacant positions promptly, and formulate effective administrative policies.

Administrative Accountability and Governance

Describing Divisional Commissioners and District Commissioners as the vital bridge between the government and the people, the Prime Minister noted that the success of government initiatives rests on their integrity. He praised the administration’s role in the recent national elections, remarking that when the administration functions correctly, the true mandate of the people is reflected.

Addressing the current state of the nation, the Prime Minister acknowledged that his government took office amidst:

• A fragile economy.

• A polarized administration.

• A deteriorating law and order situation.

Despite these hurdles and the impact of global conflicts, he claimed that the situation has improved significantly in a short period through targeted government interventions.

Directives for Public Welfare

Prime Minister Rahman highlighted several social safety net programs, including Family Cards, Farmer Cards, sports initiatives, and allowances for religious leaders, aimed at improving living standards. He urged the DCs to avoid unnecessary bureaucratic complexities and instead focus on realistic, people-centric decision-making.

Specific directives given to the DCs included:

1. Market Monitoring: Strict control over commodity prices to ensure stability.

2. Farmer Support: Ensuring fair prices for agricultural produce.

3. Legal Enforcement: Strengthening mobile court activities.

4. Hassle-Free Service: Ensuring citizens are not subjected to harassment when seeking government services.

Embracing Innovation and Unity

Looking toward the future, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of acquiring modern skills to remain relevant in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He urged participants not to treat the conference as a mere formality but as a platform to integrate field-level experiences and innovative ideas into national policy.

The four-day conference will feature 34 sessions, including 30 working sessions. Out of 1,729 proposals submitted by 56 ministries, 498 have been included in the working papers. Closing his speech, the Prime Minister identified national unity as the country's greatest strength and called upon everyone to work together under the "Bangladesh First" policy.