NN Report:
At a high-level seminar titled “Expectations of the July Uprising and the Future of Public Administration,” speakers emphasized that Bangladesh’s civil service now has a historic opportunity to work independently, free from political pressure, and to rebuild public trust by upholding professionalism and neutrality.
The seminar was organized by the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association and held at the BIAM Foundation Auditorium in Dhaka on Friday. Senior public officials, academics, and family members of the July Uprising martyrs participated in the event.
Chief Guest of the seminar, Chief Secretary to the Chief Adviser M Siraj Uddin Mia, stated, “In 2018, it was the youth who courageously pointed out the state’s failures. Unfortunately, their message was ignored. However, in 2024, that vision was realized. The civil service must not return to its old path.”
He added, “Today, there is no political pressure on the administration. A rare environment has emerged where civil servants can perform their duties in accordance with the law. This opportunity must be fully utilized at every level.”
Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Vice Chancellor of the University of Dhaka, served as the keynote speaker. He said, “The previous government politicized the administration, causing institutional damage. It is now time to reestablish a professional, ethical, and citizen-centric civil service.”
Dr. Md. Sanoar Jahan Bhuiyan, Secretary of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission Secretariat, presented the main paper, outlining the current challenges in public administration and offering clear policy recommendations for future reforms.
Other distinguished speakers included: Dr. Md. Mokhlesur Rahman, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Public Administration, Kaniz Mawla, Secretary, Bangladesh National Parliament Secretariat, A. B. M. Abdus Sattar, General Secretary of Officers’ Club Dhaka and former Secretary Dr. Syeda Lasna Kabir, Professor of Public Administration, University of Dhaka, Dr. Shafiul Islam, Professor, University of Rajshahi
Speakers stressed that the civil service must rise above political influence and corruption, and work toward building a transparent and accountable administration. They also cautioned against the misuse of bureaucrats in future national elections.
The seminar featured emotional remarks from families of the July Uprising martyrs. Among them were Sanjida Khan Deepti, mother of martyr Shahriar Anas; Sabrina Afroze Sebonti, sister of martyr Saikat; Md. Ramzan Ali, brother of martyr Abu Sayeed; and Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdho, brother of martyr Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho. They urged the administration to realize the dreams of the fallen and uphold justice.
The session was presided over by Md. Nazrul Islam, Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works and President of the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association. He reaffirmed the commitment to lead the civil service based on integrity, competence, impartiality, and professionalism, in line with the spirit of the July Uprising.
Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, Divisional Commissioner of Dhaka and General Secretary of the Association, delivered the welcome speech. He noted, “The July Uprising reflected a vision of a just and humane society. During the period of governmental vacuum from 5 to 8 August, it was the civil servants who carried out their responsibilities with integrity.”
The seminar was attended by senior government officials, academics, researchers, and journalists. Participants collectively expressed the resolve that the future civil service must remain above political ideologies and serve the people with honesty, dedication, and neutrality—thus honoring the sacrifice of the martyrs.
