Abul Khair: Profile of An Exemplary & Outstanding Civil Servant

 

Mr. Abul Khair was one of the most outstanding Members of the  Pre-Partition Undivided Bengal Civil Service. n course of his wonderful service career he made significant contribution to development of institutions, process and systems. Mr Khair was born in 1915 in Noakhali. As a brilliant student he excelled throughout his academic career. He joined the then Undivided Bengal Civil Service in 1940 through competitive examinations, and started his career as Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector. He served in several districts of the then Undivided Bengal as Magistrate.He was one of the few Bengali Civil Service Officials in those times who was promoted and assigned by the then British administration, as Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) in charge of two sub-divisions in British India, prior to partition in 1947. He worked as SDO Midnapore(1943-1945) and later as SDO Cox's Bazar (1945-1947).

After 1947 Partition Mr. Abul Khair held several key assignments for e.g., Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Dhaka Municipality (1947-1951) and later as Deputy Secretary in the Ministries of Commerce & Industries and Anti-Corruption ( 1952-1956) in the then Provincial government. He also received training on "Administration and Management" in 1959 in the United States, He served as Deputy Commissioner Dinajpur ( 1958 - 1962) and during this time he undertook significant improvements in education and social welfare programs for the district. Mr. Abul Khair was appointed Deputy Commissioner Dhaka in 1963 and held that position till 1966. In those times, the position of Deputy Commissioner Dhaka was extremely important in the context of the country's administration (not only in terms of the size and composition of Dhaka district) but also in terms of economic and social profile. Dhaka was the capital and the frontline district in the then East Bengal that had to face challenges both as competitor and comparator to the big districts in the then western wing  of former Pakistan. During his tenure as DC Dhaka Mr. Abul Khair focused on administrative efficiency and rule of law in the district. In those times Dhaka was the largest district and comprised several sub-divisions ( later upgraded to districts after liberation of Bangladesh). Dhaka as a district went through an impressive transformation towards progress and stability doing Mr. Khair's tenure as Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate. Mr. Abul Khair demonstrated exemplary leadership in handling his responsibilities that covered three key dimensions - Deputy Commissioner (District Administrator),Collector of Revenue and District Magistrate.

Mr. Abul Khair was appointed the Chairman of the then Dhaka Improvement Trust (DIT) ( now Rajuk) in 1966. He was the first Bengali Chairman of DIT as he succeeded Mr. G.A. Madani, of erstwhile Undivided Indian Civil Service (ICS).During his tenure as Chairman DIT, Mr. Abul Khair made significant contributions in promoting Dhaka's urban infrastructure through comprehensive expansion, modernization and development best suited to the interests of the city and its people. Under his valued guidance, significant improvements were achieved in the process of identifying and creating plots for residential and commercial purposes. As Chairman DIT Mr. Abul Khair  undertook initiatives and programs to overcome challenges DIT  faced in those times as a new institution. He was able to transform the then DIT to higher scales of operational and functional efficiency. In this context he was referred to the “visionary architect of modern Dhaka." As Secretary Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr. Abul Khair carried forward the programs for expansion and advancement in public works and housing, with focus on efficient and cost-effective construction and maintenance. He emphasized on accountability. transparency and high performance standards to ensure best results in public interest. Later in 1969, as Chairman of then East Pakistan Small Cottage Industries Corporation (EPSCIC),Mr. Abul Khair  meticulously planned and implemented programs for stimulating Bengali entrepreneurship. He promoted and steered development of small and cottage industries at the Divisional and District levels - that enabled expansion in incomes and employment and had significant impact on the overall social and economic development of the country. Mr.Abul Khair retired from the Government in 1970,and passed away in 2003.

As an iconic and legendary Civil Servant, Mr. Abul Khair delivered with remarkable commitment, exemplary leadership and impeccable integrity. He made remarkable and exemplary contributions to improving living standards of the people, and overall social and economic progress of the country. He left a credible impact in terms of administrative discipline, efficiency based on skills, competencies and knowledge  and highest ethical and functional standards.  He was well-known for his bold, forthright and frank views and decisions and never compromised on principles relating to fairness and justice in public interest. Mr. Abul Khair left behind a valued legacy of unstinted commitment, exemplary professionalism and impeccable integrity in public services. He will be remembered as an icon in the history of Civil Services of our country.


Dr. Mohammed Parvez Imdad
is an economist, policy analyst
and governance specialist.