Make every hour, every Taka count Zabihullah

Public Administration Adviser to the Prime Minister Md Ismail Zabihullah has stressed the need to ensure the best possible use of every working hour of the state and every taka collected from taxpayers, saying efficient use of time, money and manpower must be a key goal of government administration.

Speaking at a workshop marking National Public Service Day-2026 at the BCS Administration Academy in the capital on Monday, he said improving the quality of public services through efficient government operations should remain a top priority.

The workshop was organised by the Ministry of Public Administration in collaboration with the Bangladesh Civil Service Administration Academy.

The adviser said officials must assess the necessity and public impact of every step before taking decisions.

“It is time to evaluate the Return on Investment (ROI) of every meeting, training and workshop,” he said, adding that the administration must calculate how much money and working hours are invested and how much improvement in public services is achieved in return.

Ismail Zabihullah said the world is undergoing rapid changes due to geopolitical competition, shifting global supply chains, climate challenges and the expansion of artificial intelligence.

Although these challenges cannot be completely avoided, he said their impact can be reduced through an efficient administration, effective diplomacy and a patriotic civil service.

He urged government officials to remain alert, forward-looking and adaptable to changing circumstances.

The adviser also called on officials to move away from a culture of avoiding responsibility and make decisions on files in line with the Delegation of Financial Power.

Highlighting the role of administration in implementing the government’s election pledges, he said officials are the main driving force behind delivering those commitments.

He stressed the need to develop measurable implementation trackers by aligning the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with government priorities.

Citing examples from countries including the United Kingdom and Singapore, he said measurable indicators help strengthen policy implementation and accountability.

He suggested seeking support from IT experts and data analytics organisations to develop effective monitoring systems in Bangladesh.

The adviser said future public administration would be data-driven and technology-based, adding that digital monitoring platforms could enhance transparency, speed and accountability.

Ismail Zabihullah urged officials to build strong relationships with citizens and take care of their physical and mental health.

He said a healthy, honest and balanced government officer can provide the best services to the people.
BCS Administration Academy Rector Dr Mohammad Altaf-ul-Alam chaired the workshop, while Public Administration Ministry Additional Secretary Mohammad Monirul Islam delivered the keynote speech.
Senior officials of the ministry and trainees of the academy attended the event.