President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Sunday called on government officials to remain committed to implementing the government’s promises, programmes, policies and development projects while prioritising public interest.
He made the call while addressing the programme marking the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference 2026 at Bangabhaban.
"It is the responsibility of field-level administrators to ensure that the benefits of government initiatives reach the actual beneficiaries on time.You are the direct representatives of the government at the grassroots level,” he said.
He reminded officials that above all, they are servants of the people and urged them to regularly listen to citizens’ grievances, problems and complaints and take active measures to resolve them.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring quick, easy and quality public services at people’s doorsteps through the use of information technology. He urged officials to remain vigilant so that services provided by both government and private institutions reach people smoothly and without disruption.
Welcoming the divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners to Bangabhaban on the occasion of the 2026 conference, the President paid deep tribute to the martyrs and freedom fighters of the Liberation War, saying their sacrifices remain a lasting source of inspiration for the nation.
He also remembered Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman Bir Uttam, along with all freedom fighters, organisers and national leaders who contributed to the Liberation War. He further recalled former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia for her contribution to improving people’s lives and establishing parliamentary democracy in the country.
The President also paid tribute to those killed and injured during the July-August 2024 student-public uprising and the long democratic movements, saying their sacrifices created a historic opportunity to build a humane, accountable and justice-based Bangladesh.
Addressing the deputy commissioners, he praised their professionalism, integrity and efficiency in helping organise the recently held 13th National Parliamentary Election in a free, fair, neutral and peaceful environment.
He described the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference as an important bridge between policymaking and implementation, and a valuable platform for exchanging views on field-level realities, challenges and opportunities.
The President said public expectations from the new government are understandably high after the end of prolonged misrule, stressing the need for a responsible, transparent and service-oriented administration to meet those expectations.
He urged deputy commissioners to utilise “institutional experience and memory” in carrying out their duties and combine them with modern ideas, innovative practices and practical solutions. He also emphasised ensuring people’s participation in development planning and implementation, saying sustainable development is impossible without public involvement.
Referring to the ongoing tensions and war in the Middle East, the President warned that the crisis has created global energy shortages. He instructed officials to stay alert in implementing government decisions related to power and energy management and strengthen market monitoring to prevent hoarding and keep commodity prices stable.
He also stressed ensuring the proper use of government funds, reducing unnecessary expenditure and closely monitoring the timely implementation of development projects.
The President noted that while rapid advances in information technology have improved daily life and contributed significantly to socio-economic development, criminals are increasingly misusing technology. He warned that misinformation, disinformation and rumours spread through social media are creating social unrest and threatening national unity.
He instructed local administrators to work closely with civil society and law enforcement agencies to firmly combat such crimes.
Highlighting land disputes as one of the major causes of rural conflicts and litigation, the President called for a more efficient, modern, people-oriented and accountable land management system and directed officials to take strict action against irregularities.
He also instructed officials to monitor the delivery of basic services such as housing, education, healthcare, agro-based industries, electricity, gas, safe water and sanitation so that these services reach people at the grassroots level.
The President urged the administration to give top priority to preventing violence against women, children and other marginalised groups. He called for stronger action to combat gender-based violence, ensure women’s safety and empower women at the grassroots level.
He also asked officials to play a more active role in youth skill development and employment generation and to maintain strict measures against drug abuse.
Describing corruption and misgovernance as major obstacles to good governance and development, the President stressed the need to ensure transparency, accountability, ethics and professionalism at every level of administration and reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption.
The President said the officials had already received valuable guidance from the Prime Minister and expressed hope that they would sincerely implement the directions and responsibilities assigned during the conference.
He expressed confidence that the intelligence, honesty and dedication of the officials would contribute significantly to national development and public welfare.
The President also said the deputy commissioners would play a leading role in building a developed, modern, just and humane Bangladesh and further strengthen the image of a people-oriented democratic government.