Annual DC conference begins today
The four-day annual Deputy Commissioners’ (DC) Conference begins today, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman set to inaugurate the event at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium at 10:30 am.
According to officials, 498 proposals have been selected for discussion from a total of 1,729 submitted by DCs and divisional commissioners across the country.
Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani told the media that Deputy Commissioners would receive guidance from ministers on the government’s current policies and priorities during the conference.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Cabinet Division, he said the annual DC Conference focuses on policy development, field-level governance proposals, public welfare issues, and decision-making support for the administration.
Providing details of the programme, Additional Secretary of the Cabinet Division Humayun Kabir said this year’s conference will be held over four days—one day longer than in previous years.
He said Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners will pay courtesy calls on the President, the Speaker and the Chief Justice.
Separate working sessions are also scheduled with the Chief Election Commissioner and the Anti-Corruption Commission.
A total of 34 sessions will be held, including 30 working sessions involving 56 ministries and divisions. DCs have submitted 1,729 proposals on various governance issues, of which 498 have been included in the working papers. The highest number of proposals—44—relates to the Health Services Division.
Key discussion areas this year include land management, law and order, local government, disaster management, employment, social security, e-governance, education, health services, environmental protection, infrastructure development and monitoring of development activities.
Humayun Kabir expressed hope that the conference would help identify a clear course of action to address legal, administrative and financial challenges faced by field administration.
Responding to journalists, the Cabinet Secretary said last year’s budget for the DC Conference was Tk 1.73 crore, while this year it has been reduced to Tk 71 lakh.
State Minister for Public Administration Abdul Bari told The New Nation that the conference is being organised by the Cabinet Division.
“We will be briefed there. As the State Minister for Public Administration, I will attend a session,” he said.
Officials noted that this year’s conference comes after the formation of a new government led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party following the 13th parliamentary elections held on 12 February.
They indicated that the conference is expected to provide strategic guidance for implementing the government’s electoral commitments.
Comilla Deputy Commissioner M Reza Hasan told The New Nation that he would raise issues related to the Agriculture University, the Gomti River and development priorities in Comilla.
In view of global economic conditions, particularly fuel conservation concerns, DCs will park their vehicles at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium and use government transport to attend working sessions.
A source in the Ministry of Public Administration said 43 working sessions will be held, covering 56 ministries, departments and agencies.
The 498 selected proposals have been incorporated into official working papers.
On the opening day, DCs will join an open discussion with the Prime Minister, followed by a photo session.
Unlike last year’s conference under the interim government, participants will also meet the President.
On the second day, DCs will visit the National Parliament, attend a courtesy call on the Speaker Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin, and join an official dinner at the Parliament complex.
On the third day, they are scheduled to meet the Chief Justice at the Supreme Court and attend a reception hosted in their honour.
The conference will conclude on the fourth day with final sessions, followed by a meeting between the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association and the Prime Minister at the China Friendship Conference Centre.
A formal dinner for divisional commissioners and DCs will mark the closing of the event.
