Parliament Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad Bir Bikram called on civil servants to embrace a people-centered approach, warning that democracy cannot function effectively if officials see themselves as rulers rather than public servants.
Addressing the Deputy Commissioners Conference 2026 at the Jatiya Sangsad, the Speaker underscored the pivotal role of field administrators in strengthening democratic governance.
Deputy commissioners, he noted, serve as returning officers in national elections and therefore carry significant responsibility in ensuring credible and transparent polls.
Reflecting on the country’s recent political history, Ahmad criticized what he described as widespread corruption and irregularities in the electoral system during the previous 16 years under the Awami League administration.
He said the restoration of public trust now depends in part on the integrity and professionalism of district-level officials overseeing future elections, including parliamentary contests.
“For democracy to be meaningful, the state machinery must function with accountability and a service-oriented mindset,” the Speaker said.
He urged bureaucrats to align their work with the democratic aspirations of the population, highlighting that Bangladesh’s political rights were secured through decades of struggle and sacrifice from 1971 through 2024.
The event, organized by the Cabinet Division and held in the oath room of Parliament, began with a welcome address by Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat Secretary Barrister Md Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan.
Representatives of the deputy commissioners, including Nazma Ashrafi of Rangamati and Md Toufiqur Rahman of Bogura, as well as Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner A N M Bazlur Rashid, shared their views during the session.
Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal described Parliament as the cornerstone of democratic life, saying open debate strengthens governance rather than weakens it.
Chief Whip Nurul Islam emphasized that deputy commissioners serve as a vital link between central authorities and local communities, ensuring that national policies are implemented effectively at the grassroots level.
Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani delivered the closing remarks. The programme concluded with an interactive session between the Speaker and administrative officials from across the country, followed by a photo opportunity. Senior officials from the Cabinet Division and the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat were also in attendance.
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