He made the call while addressing the DCs' conference at Bangabhaban.

Cabinet Secretary, secretaries, divisional commissions and DCs were present on the occasion.

The president also asked the officials to perform their duties rising above personal, group or political interests. "With your success, the government's image will brighten and its activities will succeed at district, upazila and village level," he said.

"The decisions taken and the guidelines given at the conference will help the officials in performing their duties properly," he said and hoped that the DCs would fully utilise their talent and qualities for the welfare of the country and its people.

Iajuddin asked them to be tough and firm to establish rule of law and the rights of the weaker section of people, including protecting the weak from the aggression of the strong.

"You've to rise above threat and influence and use all your power.

Remember you will receive all cooperation from the people and also of the government in your every good and just deed. So, do your work without fear for establishing truth and justice," he told the DCs.

He said the government has taken some fundamental steps for establishing good governance and creating election-oriented atmosphere in the country. "It's up to all of us to continue the process."

He asked the DCs to play their challenging and responsible role for implementing the government decision to hold the election by the year 2008.

The DCs should follow the directives of the government and the Election Commission for holding the election in free and fair manner, he said. "We'll be able to present the nation a free, fair and impartial election with combined efforts."

Iajuddin said the government has undertaken multifarious programmes to ensure neutrality, dynamism and accountability in public administration. "You have to work accepting these inevitable changes."

To render services to the people, he said, positive change in viewpoints of officials and employees is needed along side making government departments at the field level more dynamic and service-oriented.

Asking the officials to acquire skill and receive training for facing the challenges of the 21st century, he hoped that all concerned would contribute their talent for building a happy and prosperous Bangladesh.

He called upon the officials to begin work with new vigour and courage in their respective districts with the directives given in the conference.