ISRAELI ATTACKS ON LEBANON: Public Administration Reform Commission Formed To Modernise Bangladesh’s Civil Service
Gazi Anowar
In a decisive step toward overhauling Bangladesh’s civil service, the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus has announced the formation of the Public Administration Reform Commission (PARC). The newly established commission aims to usher in a modern, merit-based, and transparent governance system amid long-standing criticism of bureaucratic inefficiency and politicisation.
The nine-member commission is chaired by Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, a respected former civil servant and former adviser to the 2001 caretaker government. Members of the commission include experienced bureaucrats, governance experts, and one student representative, a nod to the growing demand for youth participation in state reform.
The Ministry of Public Administration will serve as the commission’s operational partner, providing support in terms of logistics, data, and coordination with relevant ministries.
According to government sources, PARC’s primary objectives include: Modernizing civil service structures, Implementing a transparent, merit-based recruitment system. Recommending institutional reforms to depoliticize government agencies. Enhancing citizen-centric service delivery mechanisms, Increasing accountability and efficiency across ministries and divisions. The commission is expected to submit its preliminary set of reform proposals within six months.
Professor Ali Riaz, political analyst and Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, welcomed the move:
“This is a much-needed step. The public administration of Bangladesh has been burdened by partisan interference and bureaucratic stagnation for too long. If implemented seriously, the reforms could be transformative.”
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), emphasized the importance of public accountability:
“It’s not just about restructuring; it’s about restoring integrity and public confidence. The commission must remain independent and shielded from political pressure.”
Nasima Akhter, a mid-level civil servant currently serving in the Local Government Division, expressed cautious optimism:
“If reforms address internal bias, promote merit, and ensure career growth based on performance rather than loyalty, many of us in service will feel hopeful again.”
The commission’s formation follows the government’s earlier reforms to the quota system, which was widely seen as a step toward merit-based public service. With over 1.5 million public servants working in central and local governments, experts believe this reform initiative could shape the trajectory of governance in Bangladesh for decades to come.
In a brief address, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus described the reform commission as a “milestone toward building a service-oriented and ethical state machinery.”
“Our citizens deserve a responsive, efficient, and corruption-free administration. This commission is entrusted with laying the foundation of such a system,” Yunus said.
Stakeholders from academia, civil society, and youth organizations are expected to be consulted in the coming months. Public hearings and digital submissions will also be part of the process to ensure broad-based participation.
While challenges remain—particularly resistance from vested interests within the system—the formation of PARC marks a rare moment of consensus on the need for deep, structural reform in the public sector.
