Be people's servant, not master

Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina directed the civil servants to devote themselves to the well-being of people and discharge duties with pro-people attitude.
"Keep in mind that you are the servant of the people, not their master," Hasina told the government officials at a function while inaugurating a two-day silver jubilee celebration of Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre (BPATC) here yesterday morning.
President of the board of governor of BPATC and Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith chaired the function.
"People often complain that government officials act as masters with them and most of the officials in the administration still maintain colonial attitude," Hasina said, asking the civil servants to change their mindset and stand beside the people.
The PM told the function that her government wants to bring transparency and accountability in administration as making of a welfare-oriented administration could not be possible without it.
"Our government will not politicise the administration like the previous one. None would be spared if found involved in partisan activities", she said adding that her government wants to ensure maximum welfare of the people.
"We have come to power to bring changes with the Vision- 2021 programme to be implemented by the government officials."
The premier said changing the day means change the fate of the poor by reducing gap between rich and poor. "We want to ensure the basic rights--food, clothing, shelter, education and treatment-- of the people granted by the constitution," she added.
Hasina also told the function that Bangladesh could not attain its desired development yet as military and military-backed forces ruled the country frequently in the past with disregard for people's welfare, reports UNB.
Not only in Bangladesh but in many other countries of the world it has been proved that without democracy a nation cannot achieve its cherished development, the PM said.
"The unconstitutional governments used the administration and the country's institutions at their sweet will. That's why transparency and accountability was not established in the administration, which resulted in lack of development in the country," she said.
Establishment and Administration Affairs Adviser to the PM H T Imam spoke on the occasion as special guest while BPATC Rector Md Abdus Salam Khan gave welcome speech.