Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today urged public administration officials to move beyond a bureaucratic mindset and act as “servants and friends of people”, saying their integrity, efficiency and accountability are central to the government’s success.

“You are the link between making policies and putting them into action. Your honesty, competence and accountability form one of the key foundations of the government’s success,” he said after inaugurating a new training-cum-dormitory building of the BIAM Foundation at its auditorium in Dhaka.

Highlighting the need to modernise governance, the prime minister said the world has entered the era of Artificial Intelligence and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, making it essential for officials to keep pace with technological change.

“The use of AI, automation and digital technologies can make our administration more efficient, transparent and accountable,” he said, adding that the government aims to deliver public services at citizens’ doorsteps through information technology.

He assured continued support to strengthen BIAM to build a skilled and future-ready civil service.

Focusing on economic competitiveness, Tarique stressed simplifying business processes through single-window clearance, one-stop services and fully digital workflows.

“Our development vision must be inclusive, sustainable and humane. We want to build a Bangladesh where the benefits of development gradually reach every level of society, inequality declines, and eventually disappears,” he said.

The prime minister underscored the role of women and youth as key drivers of growth, adding that environmental protection and climate resilience must be integrated into all policies.

Earlier, he laid the foundation stone for BIAM’s third building in Eskaton before addressing officials at the auditorium.

“Modern administrative competence is not just about knowing rules, it also requires the use of technology, data analysis, quick decision-making and a creative approach to public service,” he said.

The government is working to modernise training systems, expand advanced courses, and increase opportunities for research and policy-oriented education, he added.

Referring to electoral pledges, Tarique said these commitments are not merely political promises but a contract with the people.

“The government is determined to implement every commitment of its manifesto and the July Charter in letter and spirit,” he said, urging officials to contribute with professionalism and merit.

Referring to the mass uprising of July–August 2024, the prime minister said it reaffirmed that people are the true owners of the state.

“So, as public servants, your foremost responsibility is to protect the interests and ensure the welfare of people… Your decisions can affect a family, a region, or even the entire nation. That is why your responsibilities are not only administrative but also deeply moral and constitutional,” he said.

He said steps have already been taken to fill vacant posts, strengthen the Public Service Commission, and implement key administrative reforms.

Tarique expressed hope that BIAM’s curriculum and training environment would further enhance officials’ professional skills, problem-solving ability and innovation.

Founded on December 29, 1991, BIAM was later transformed into the BIAM Foundation in November 2002. Officials said the newly inaugurated building is expected to significantly enhance its training capacity and residential facilities.