The Ministry of Public Administration’s directive for civil servants, issued on October 28, represents a timely, proactive step to preserve the uprightness and impartiality of Bangladesh’s public service. This nine-point guideline from Senior Secretary Mokhlesur Rahman outlines practical steps to help officials avoid controversy and maintain the highest standards of professionalism. At a time when the country’s civil landscape is shifting, the directive offers a valuable framework to ensure that public servants remain committed to their core duties, free from bad influence or the risk of missteps that could lead to unnecessary controversy.
In any representative society, the civil service plays a fundamental role in upholding stability and trust in governance. Public servants, who work on behalf of the state, are expected to adhere strictly to ethical standards and exercise sound decision-making. They can protect the public’s perception of the civil service as an impartial figure dedicated only to national interest by following these guidelines. This initiative marks a significant step to revitalising the public sector’s credibility and protecting it from any influence or unintended faults during sensitive times.
The guideline is grounded in a preventive approach, designed to shield civil servants from missteps that could lead to public harm. Among the core recommendations is the directive to thoroughly scrutinise hosting organisations and co-attendees before accepting invitations to any public event. Such farsightedness helps officials avoid relationships with controversial groups or figures that may not align with the management’s values. This instruction represents the ministry’s commitment to defending civil servants from engaging in situations that could compromise their professional impartiality.
These nine directives reflect a deep
commitment to maintaining a public
service that is well-organised, impartial
and answerable to the people of the country
Attention to detail in all event-related materials is another vital aspect of this guidance. Public servants are advised to scrutinise printed items, like banners, invitation cards, leaflets and flags, to ensure they contain no offensive or administratively sensitive content. This step may seem minor, but it represents the ministry’s awareness that even small oversights can escalate into broader controversies, particularly when they are in the public eye. The ministry helps maintain a professional, respectful public image by introducing this level of vigilance.
The directive also emphasises the significance of a consistent internal conduct code by asking public servants to carefully monitor in-house documents, such as invitations, certificates and letters. Such internal conscientiousness is crucial to ensuring that the values of professionalism and impartiality are reflected at all levels of action, from the public-facing duties to internal communication. This responsiveness to detail is a measure that will help prevent any misrepresentation and maintain a respectful, cohesive workplace culture within the public service.
These nine directives reflect a deep commitment to maintaining a public service that is well-organised, impartial and answerable to the people of the country. The measures they prescribe are not only practical guidelines; they are a reaffirmation of the core values of public service, designed to ensure that public servants may continue to act with uprightness in any situation. Civil servants will avoid controversy and reinforce a legacy of professionalism that will continue to inspire public trust by following these directives.
This directive sets a praiseworthy example for the future of Bangladesh’s civil service, representing a clear understanding of the need for carefulness, respect and efficiency in official duties. In sensitive times, a responsible and principled public service may serve as a pillar for stability and unity in society.
The Ministry of Public Administration has laid the groundwork for a public sector that remains steadfast, reliable and rooted in ethical governance through the new guideline—a legacy that will unquestionably help the country for generations to come.
