Prime Minister (PM) and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has directed civil servants to build a citizen-oriented administration, emphasizing that the transformation largely depends on their proactive role.

In a written speech delivered at the annual gathering of the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association (BASA), held Wednesday night at the `Troimoitree` convention hall in Agargaon, the Prime Minister outlined his vision for public service.

"The government desires a people-centric administration where ordinary citizens receive services in government offices with respect, speed, transparency, and without harassment. It is your duty to ensure this," Tarique told the gathered bureaucrats. "Law is undoubtedly important, but humanity is even more significant."

He cited the example of elderly or sick individuals waiting in line for government services, stressing that addressing their needs legally must go hand in hand with compassionate treatment.

"Your sincere and empathetic behavior towards service seekers creates a positive perception of the state and the government in their minds. These may seem like small matters, but they have a profound impact on public sentiment," he noted, urging civil servants to be more attentive and caring.

Tarique stated that the greatest asset of a state is the public’s trust, which is cultivated through transparency and accountability in the government and administration. "We must remember that the administration is not just an instrument for enforcing the law; it is a medium for serving the people," he added.

Addressing the government’s mandate, the Prime Minister reminded the officials that the public had endorsed his party`s manifesto. "Therefore, it is no longer just the BNP`s manifesto; it is the manifesto of the people, the government`s agenda for the people. Now is the time for implementation," he declared.

He further described field-level officials, particularly Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners, as the administrative "ambassadors" of the government, asserting that the success of public administration ultimately translates to the success of the government itself.

Highlighting the high expectations of the public, the BNP Chairperson reaffirmed his democratic government’s commitment to fulfilling logical public demands to the best of its ability.

"We often say the people are the owners of the state. If they are the owners, it is your responsibility to ensure that when these service seekers visit government offices, they feel that sense of ownership," he instructed.

Using the example of a daily wage laborer trying to correct a birth certificate, Tarique pointed out that ordinary citizens often do not understand bureaucratic procedures.

"If they receive sincere help, it builds trust in the state. If they face harassment, it destroys that trust. While it may not be possible to solve every problem instantly, it is crucial that victims feel your genuine intent to help," he explained.

The Prime Minister also expressed optimism about the country’s future, viewing the large youth population as a potential demographic dividend. "If we can transform our active youth into a skilled workforce, they will become our greatest human resource. They are the ones who can change our Bangladesh," he said.

He concluded his message by encouraging civil servants to foster religious, social, and family values as the building blocks of a strong state.

"Work fearlessly and impartially for the welfare of the country and its people. The government will actively support your legal and humanitarian initiatives," Tarique assured the association.