The Prime Minister’s Public Administration Adviser Md Ismail Zabiullah on Thursday called for leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to build a more efficient, innovative, and citizen-friendly public administration.
Speaking as the chief guest at the closing and certificate-awarding ceremony of the 144th and 145th Law and Administration Courses at the BCS Administration Academy in Shahbagh, the adviser noted that modern governance is no longer confined to routine file management; it is increasingly driven by knowledge, technology, and innovation.
Consequently, future administrative officers must become adept in emerging technologies, including AI, he said.
Highlighting AI’s pivotal role in policy analysis, public service delivery, grievance redressal, corruption prevention, and data-driven decision-making, Mr Zabiullah stressed the need to integrate AI capabilities into existing government digital platforms.
To further strengthen the economy, he emphasised diversifying beyond the readymade garment (RMG) sector by fostering high-potential industries such as leather, semiconductors, AI, high-tech manufacturing, and knowledge-based services. In line with this vision, Tk 5.0 billion (Tk 500 crore) has been allocated to support the startup ecosystem in the current fiscal year, he informed.
Drawing on China’s "One Village, One Product" model, the adviser suggested launching district-specific integrated initiatives covering production, processing, branding, and marketing based on local potential. He advocated piloting the concept in one district first.
Addressing the graduating officers, Mr Zabiullah stated that an administrator's true identity lies not in their designation, but in their integrity, actions, and innovative mindset. He urged them to transform professional challenges into opportunities and remain continuously adaptive to modern tools and ideas.
He also highlighted the government’s 180-day work plan and the ongoing formulation of a national action plan to execute election manifesto pledges, emphasizing that the dedication and skill of field-level administration will be critical to their success.
Presiding over the ceremony, BCS Administration Academy Rector (Secretary) Dr Mohammad Altaf-Ul-Alam informed that 74 officers completed the five-month intensive training program under the guiding ethos: "Administration is for the people, not the people for the administration."
Senior government officials, including the Transport Commissioner, the Director General of the National Academy for Planning and Development (NAPD), the Director General of the Bangladesh Employees Welfare Board, and academy faculty members, were present.
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