PM Hasina alerts govt officials against bribery, corruption

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday asked government officials to remain alert against bribery and corruption as these social diseases spoil the development of the country.

"All will have to be alert against bribery and corruption that spoil our [development] activities. You'll have to raise awareness among people in this regard," she said while addressing the concluding ceremony of the 113th, 114th and 115th law and administration courses at Bangladesh Civil Service Administration Academy in the city.

The prime minister asked the fresh officers of the administration to spend public money properly for the planned development of the country.

"I request you to pay special attention so that we can do more development [works] spending the public money economically," she said.

Pointing at field-level administration officials, Sheikh Hasina said if an officer wishes, he or she can change the outlook of a district, an upazila or a union by making development visible there.

"You'll have to have such innovative ideas, plans and thoughts (to do so)," she said.

Hasina also asked the government officers to pay special attention to the ongoing drives against drug, terrorism and corruption.

The prime minister distributed certificates among the participants of the five-month training courses. A total of 120 admin cadre officers attended the three courses.

State minister for public pdministration ministry Farhad Hossain, chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on public administration ministry HN Ashequr Rahman and public administration Secretary Faiz Ahmed spoke at the function presided over by rector of the Bangladesh Civil Service Administration Academy Kazi Rowshan Akhter.

The prime minister asked the government officials to take steps in a planned way keeping the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in mind so that the development gets sustainable.

"I would like to urge you to work sincerely in implementation of what the plans we're taking," said Hasina.

She also asked the fresh officers to move always with self-confidence and develop themselves further to work for the country by continuing their trainings and study using the advantage of the digital platforms.

The prime minister suggested reading two books --Osamapto Attojiboni (Unfinished Memoirs) and Karagarer Rojnamcha ((Diary in Jail) -- of the Father of the Nation to know his dedication and the history of the country.

She said a 14-volume book on "Secret Documents of Intelligence Branch on Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman" is being published.

She said if the intelligence and government officers read the books, they can gather experiences over intelligence alongside knowing the history of the Language Movement and the country's independence.

"If our officers read the books, their self-confidence would grow as they'll be able to know how they can ensure the development of a country and how the Father of the Nation made the country independent through struggles," she said adding that the four volumes of the book have already been published.

Focusing on the country's development, Hasina said Bangladesh has made a turnaround and reached a dignified position in the world in the last one decade as her government has been working for its progress.

"To me, power is not a matter of enjoyment. Instead, it's a matter of performing responsibilities," she added.