Govt officials should not serve more than 5yrs: CA

Staff Reporter :

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus emphasized that government officials should not remain in government positions for more than five years, warning that prolonged service can stifle creativity and lead to fixed mindsets.

He made these remarks on Wednesday afternoon during the inauguration of the “Digital Devices and Innovation Expo-2026” at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center. At the event, he also unveiled the website and logo of the “Bangladesh Innovation Challenge.”

The ICT Division, the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA) and the Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS) are jointly organising the four-day technology showcase with the theme ‘Bangladesh to the World’, which will continue till January 31.

Prof. Yunus suggested that every institution should undergo a renewal every ten years, as organizational goals may evolve while people often cling to outdated ideas.

Advising individuals to focus on entrepreneurship rather than relying solely on jobs, he said the notion of guaranteed employment is a misconception and likened it to a form of modern slavery. He stressed that the government’s role should be to support and foster entrepreneurial initiatives.

The Chief Adviser compared the impact of the July Movement on the country’s politics to the potential of the Digital Devices and Innovation Expo, which he said will open new doors in the IT sector. He added that participants of the July Movement could one day emerge as global leaders.

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, Foyez Ahmed Tayyab, attended the event as a special guest. Prof. Yunus also highlighted the importance of advancing the country’s technological capabilities to keep pace with a rapidly evolving world, stating,
“The coming world will be fundamentally different. Things we cannot yet imagine will become reality. If we fail to accelerate and align with global momentum, we must consider how far behind we may fall.”

He pointed out that although Bangladesh appears to be progressing alongside other nations, it is, in fact, lagging in thinking, action, and preparedness. He attributed this gap to insufficient focus on the ICT sector, which he called the “core sector” that will shape the future.

“I emphasize this sector because it is key. The future will be created here,” he said, adding that while traditional sectors will persist, technology will act as a driving force, influencing all other fields.

Prof. Yunus urged authorities to abandon conventional thinking when formulating policies for the technology sector. Speaking about the expo, he said:

“The country’s future will depend on the discussions we have, the visions we imagine, and the institutional frameworks we design at such gatherings.”

He highlighted the generational gap in technology, noting that children today interact with technology almost instinctively. This divergence, he said, has created a leadership challenge, as older generations struggle to guide younger ones—not due to ill intent, but because of differences in mindset.

Emphasizing the need for digital governance, Prof. Yunus suggested that government services should reach the people directly rather than expecting citizens to approach the government, adding that this could significantly reduce corruption.

The event also featured Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury as chair, with BHTPA Managing Director Md. Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan and BCS President Mohammad Zahirul Islam delivering the welcome addresses.

Reflecting on the 2024 July Uprising, Prof. Yunus praised the youth as a globally connected and technologically empowered generation capable of leading both Bangladesh and the world. He warned that society must harness this power effectively; otherwise, their potential will be wasted.

Recalling the internet shutdown during the uprising, he noted that technology is deeply intertwined with young people’s lives. Such actions caused nationwide unrest, ultimately contributing to the fall of a seemingly powerful government.

Prof. Yunus also cautioned that technology can magnify both strengths and weaknesses. He cited incidents of forgery using digital tools, which have damaged Bangladesh’s international reputation, emphasizing that the country’s talent and creativity should be channeled for ethical and constructive purposes.

“We must resolve to move beyond fraud, implement realistic policies, and build a pro-people governance system,” he said, stressing the need to use technology responsibly.

Earlier at the event, he launched the Bangladesh Innovation Challenge website and logo, aiming to accelerate innovative initiatives at the school and college levels.

The inaugural session began with the national anthem, followed by the expo’s theme song. An audio-visual presentation titled “Create Here, Connect Everywhere” showcased the future of digital innovation. Prof. Yunus later toured various stalls at the expo.

Organized to promote technological innovation, skill enhancement, and investment in the sector, the expo features digital devices, mobile technology, e-sports, product discounts, and special offers. Five seminars and four panel discussions are scheduled during the event.