Neutral Civil Service Vital to Meet Public Expectations

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday stressed the need for government officials and employees to remain politically neutral and perform their duties with patriotism, integrity and professionalism to meet the expectations of the people.

"People have placed high expectations on the present government. Transparency and accountability must be ensured at every level of the administration to fulfil those expectations," he said.

The minister made the remarks while inaugurating a four-day workshop titled "Efficient, Citizen-Friendly and Accountable Public Administration: Strategies for Implementing the Government's Commitments" at the BCS Administration Academy in Shahbagh, marking National Public Service Day 2026.

He said the civil service, as the state's principal administrative machinery, must move beyond the politicisation of the past 17 years and evolve into a genuinely service-oriented institution, ensuring transparency and accountability at every level.

Salahuddin Ahmed said such workshops should deliver practical benefits for citizens rather than become ceremonial events aimed at attracting the attention of senior officials.

"You are public servants, not rulers," he told civil servants. "You belong to one of the country's most privileged professions. Dedicate yourselves to serving the people."

The home minister also called for comprehensive reforms in the country's statistical system, alleging that key national data—including population, agricultural production and per capita income—had been distorted for political purposes under the previous administration.

He stressed the need to strengthen the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) as a credible institution for evidence-based policymaking.

Highlighting economic priorities, Salahuddin Ahmed said agriculture and remittances should receive the highest attention to reinforce the country's economic foundation. He also urged greater investment in agro-based industries by expanding agriculture, fisheries and livestock production.

He emphasised the importance of vocational and technical education to build a skilled workforce and said the government is considering revitalising the Family Planning Department to address the country's rising birth rate.

The minister said while elected governments formulate policies based on their political mandate, civil servants are responsible for translating those policies into programmes, preparing projects and ensuring effective implementation through proper monitoring.

He instructed officials to strictly follow existing laws and regulations while implementing the government's election manifesto and its 31-point commitments, describing them as the mandate given by the people.