Tarique tells DCs to deliver promises, reject corruption

He warns field administration against using red tape as an excuse for delay

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has told district administrators that his government will make no compromise with corruption, while urging them to play an active role in delivering the promises made to the people.

Speaking at the opening of the four-day Deputy Commissioners' Conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Sunday, Tarique said good governance was the cornerstone of his administration.

"We are striving to make good governance the foundation of state administration. Good governance requires efficient management, capable leadership and, of course, accountability," he said.

"The government's position against corruption is clear. We do not want to compromise with corruption."

The conference, which began at 10:30am, is the first DC conference since the Bangladesh Nationalist Party formed government after securing an overwhelming majority in the national election.

Addressing the deputy commissioners of all 64 districts and divisional commissioners, the prime minister said his government was committed to implementing every pledge contained in its election manifesto and the July Charter signed before the public.

"We want to implement, step by step, every clause and every commitment. We are fully committed to this goal," he said.

"I hope that, with your talent and competence, you will play an effective role in implementing every promise made by the government to the people."

Tarique described deputy commissioners as one of the government's principal driving forces in building a strong, accountable, lawful and people-friendly state.

"You are serving at the highest level of field administration. Your role is crucial in establishing a robust, accountable and citizen-oriented state system," he said.

In his directives, the prime minister urged officials not to use excessive laws, regulations or bureaucratic complexities as excuses.

"Instead, we should foster, at every level of administration, a mindset of taking realistic, effective and public-interest-oriented decisions, so that people can receive the intended benefits of government programmes on time."

A video highlighting the government's development activities was screened at the opening ceremony.