Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian on Sunday urged public officials to focus on bringing positive change to society rather than pursuing personal advancement alone, noting that the true value of public service lies in one’s contribution to the state and its people.
“The real question is not what I achieved in my career or how much my life improved, but what I gave back to the state,” he said while inaugurating a three-day training course on office and financial management.
The programme, held at the Primary Teachers’ Training Institute (PTI) in Chattogram, is designed for Union Parishad administrative officers and accounts assistants-cum-computer operators.
Organised by National Institute of Local Government (NILG) and implemented by the district administration, the training brought together 160 officials from Union Parishads across the district. Addressing the participants, the DC remarked that many expect change from others while remaining reluctant to change themselves.
“If we want a better society and a better state, we must begin by changing our own attitudes and outlook,” he said, describing learning as a lifelong process and stressing the importance of applying training knowledge to day-to-day work to meet evolving public expectations.
Mian reminded the officials that public servants are paid by taxpayers and have a responsibility to ensure quality service delivery without harassment or neglect.
“Public service is not merely a position; it is a commitment to the people,” he said, adding that officials would eventually become service recipients themselves. “Perform your duties in the way you would expect to be treated as a citizen,” the DC told the participants.
Expressing concern over public dissatisfaction with government services, he said improving quality requires not only administrative efficiency but also greater responsibility, ethics, and humanity.
Mian noted that no law or directive can bring meaningful change unless individuals embrace moral values and accountability. He further highlighted that efficient service at the grassroots level by Union Parishad officials is essential to building a responsive and humane society.
The programme was chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md Sharif Uddin, who called on participants to apply their training to improve local-level services.
Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate SM Amirul Mostafa delivered introductory remarks, while Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate Farzana Rahman Mim moderated the session. Atiya Chowdhury, deputy director of the Department of Women’s Affairs in Chattogram, also addressed the programme as a resource person.
The training, which continues until 23 June, covers office and financial management, accounting and auditing procedures, public procurement regulations, and the effective use of information technology.
