Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has described the economic conditions his government inherited as “the most fragile” in Bangladesh’s history, saying it took office amid a broken civil service, deteriorating law and order, and decades of accumulated debt.
Speaking at the opening of the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference at Osmani Memorial Hall in Dhaka on Sunday, he said the previous Awami League government had left the country burdened with Tk30 lakh crore in debt, deepened poverty, rising unemployment, and near-total dependence on imports.
“Corruption, looting and indebtedness defined the past fifteen years,” he said. “This government began its journey carrying that entire weight.”
The conference – the first since BNP won February’s general election and formed government – brought together deputy commissioners from all 64 districts alongside divisional commissioners from across the country.
Despite the scale of the challenges, the prime minister said his government had made measurable progress in its first two and a half months in office.
“I firmly believe that with your cooperation, we have been able to change much of that situation,” he told the assembled administrators. “But it has not been fully transformed yet.”
He said the previous government had rendered every major constitutional and statutory institution effectively dysfunctional.
“The judiciary, the Election Commission, the ACC – all were rendered ineffective,” he said. “Education, health, every sector was left in a fragile state.”
Tarique Rahman outlined several welfare initiatives his government intends to introduce, including farmers cards, family cards, and monthly honoraria for imams, muezzins and other religious figures.
He said the measures formed part of a broader commitment to extend the state’s social safety net to every citizen, regardless of political affiliation.
“Our goal is to bring every person in society – regardless of party or belief – within the coverage of state social protection,” he said.
No compromise on corruption
Turning to governance, the prime minister delivered a direct message to the assembled deputy commissioners. He said his government would not tolerate corruption at any level of the administration.
“The government’s position on corruption is clear,” he said. “We do not want to compromise.”
He also said the government will gradually implement every pledge in the election manifesto and the July Charter.
He said the government is committed to ensuring transparency and speed in recruitment to vacant posts, forming a strong Public Service Commission, and introducing private service rules to strengthen accountability across the administrative structure.
Push for market monitoring
The prime minister also urged DCs to stay active in controlling commodity prices and maintaining market discipline through regular monitoring.
He said farmers must receive fair prices for their produce.
He asked officials to ensure that shopping malls do not use electricity after 7pm and called for regular mobile courts to take immediate action where needed.
He also urged steps to make justice more accessible and public services free from harassment.
“Service seekers at government offices should not face unnecessary harassment, delays, or irregularities,” he said.
In the second phase of the opening session, divisional commissioners and DCs joined an open discussion with the prime minister.
The 4-day conference will have 34 sessions, including 30 working sessions, with participation from 56 ministries and divisions.
A total of 498 proposals from divisional commissioners and DCs will be presented, while ministers and state ministers from 56 ministries will provide directives on their respective sectors.
