Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday said district commissioners (DCs) act as a key bridge between citizens and the government, stressing that effective administration strengthens this connection and reflects the people’s mandate.
He made the remarks while addressing the opening session of the four-day District Commissioners (DC) Conference-2026 at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. The event marked his first inauguration of the conference since assuming office after the 13th parliamentary election.
Tarique Rahman said, “Consider every post in public administration as highly important. Keep yourselves mentally prepared to serve anywhere in the country at any time.” He stressed that DCs must remain ready for any posting, saying every administrative position is important for the state.
The Prime Minister said, “No government is permanent, and no post in public administration is permanent.”
He added that effective administration strengthens the link between the government and the people and reflects the people’s mandate.
He mentioned, “DCs act as a key bridge between citizens and the government.”
He also called for a more dynamic and people-friendly administrative system while issuing policy directives and outlining government priorities for field administration.
He said honesty, merit and efficiency will guide recruitment, transfer and promotion in public administration. He added that the success of public welfare programmes depends on the integrity, accountability and professional competence of the administration.
The Prime Minister said divisional commissioners and DCs play a central role in implementing government policies and ensuring public service delivery. He added that the government is working to ensure that people do not suffer despite challenges created by war-like conditions.
He said district administrators must play a role in protecting the country from floods and droughts. He instructed them to implement the decision to shut markets by 7pm to save electricity.
He also directed DCs to strengthen mobile court operations, ensure quick disposal of public complaints, maintain communal harmony, take strict action against child marriage and food adulteration, and intensify market monitoring to prevent hoarding and manipulation. He said government services must remain free from harassment.
Tarique Rahman further instructed that cultural and sports competitions for students must be organised throughout the year in all districts. He said the government aims to build a moral state free from discrimination based on religion, caste or belief.
He said, “The current government has taken office in the most fragile economic situation in the country’s history, with weak institutions, high unemployment and widespread poverty.”
He claimed previous regimes left behind massive corruption and a debt burden of nearly Tk30 lakh crore.
Tarique said several institutions, including the judiciary, education system, Anti-Corruption Commission and election commission, were weakened, while the health sector also suffered damage.
He added, “Bangladesh was turned into an import-dependent economy, but the government has started reforms despite economic pressure and challenges.”
Tarique Rahman said the government is working to implement its election manifesto and the commitments of the July Charter in phases.
He added that administrative reforms and social protection programmes are being expanded through district administration, including farmers’ cards, family cards, sports cards and stipends for religious leaders of all faiths.
He said 20,000 kilometres of canal excavation and re-excavation have started to improve irrigation, reduce floods and droughts, and create rural employment while strengthening social cohesion.
Tarique said, “The administration must ensure that development projects are completed on time with transparency and quality, while avoiding unnecessary legal and administrative complications.”
He added that artificial intelligence and the Fourth Industrial Revolution must be integrated into public administration to improve efficiency and transparency.
Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon said Tarique Rahman walked from his office at the Secretariat to the Osmani Memorial Auditorium for the ceremony. People standing along the roadside greeted him, and he responded by waving.
A total of 34 sessions, including 30 working sessions, will be held in the conference with participation from 56 ministries and divisions.
Deputy commissioners submitted 1,729 proposals on governance issues, of which 498 were included in the working papers. The Health Services Division submitted the highest number with 44 proposals.
Key discussion topics include land management, law and order, local government, disaster management, employment, social security, e-governance, education, health services, environmental protection, infrastructure development and monitoring of development activities.
DCs will pay courtesy calls on the President, the Speaker and the Chief Justice. Separate working sessions will be held with the Chief Election Commissioner and the Anti-Corruption Commission.
The DC Conference is held annually to ensure direct engagement between policymakers and district administrators and to provide policy guidance.
The conference will conclude on 6 May after multiple sessions and discussions on proposals submitted by DCs across the country. Officials said administrative operations, development planning and public service delivery remain key focus areas.
According to Cabinet Division sources, the first day covered discussions on the Prime Minister’s Office and its affiliated agencies, along with the Health, Education, Primary and Mass Education, and Law ministries. After the sessions, DCs paid a courtesy call on the President at Bangabhaban.
On the second day, discussions are scheduled on the Finance Ministry and other ministries along with meetings with the Speaker of Parliament.
On the third day, discussions will cover defence, power and energy ministries, along with meetings with the Chief Justice and the Election Commission.
On the final day, discussions will include the Home Ministry and public administration, followed by a dinner meeting with administration officials at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Centre.
