Get over traditional notions, embrace reforms: CA Yunus to secretaries

Government secretaries should reform their traditional notions and enable themselves to think outside the box in running the administration, says Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.

The chief advisor met the secretaries from different ministries and government offices at 11am on Wednesday.

He gave various directives to the secretaries during the meeting, according to the Press Wing.

The new Bangladesh that emerged through a mass uprising led by students, has created a positive perception in the international community and government secretaries should utilise this to serve the ultimate interest of Bangladesh, he said.

To create a new Bangladesh, the secretaries should think out of the box, reform their thoughts, adopt more creativity and prioritise public interest when running the government administration, Yunus said.

“The chief advisor has given a ‘marching order’ to adopt and implement reform programmes at all levels of the government. He urged them to hold discussions with stakeholders and seek their opinions for any reform programme,” the press wing message said.

“In July-August, the students and people presented us a pledge to form a country without disparity and full of humanity, and also fearless hearts. We should use that basis to create a new Bangladesh by nurturing honesty, integrity and accountability. We have to earn the ultimate satisfaction of people by uprooting corruption and easing services. The government’s funds should be utilised to its fullest capacity.”

The chief advisor said that government purchases should have proper competition, transparency and accountability should be ensured by removing all obstacles.

All ministries and departments would submit short, medium and long-term work plans with a creative and people-friendly mentality which will be evaluated and monitored regularly, he said.

The Awami League government fell on Aug 5. Three days later, on Aug 8, the interim government led by Yunus was formed.

The new government removed some secretaries who had contractual appointments. To reduce the influence of the past government in the administration, the government brought back five additional secretaries sent to forced retirement by the Awami League as senior secretaries.