Published: 01:33 AM, 30 August 2026
Civil Service Officers Should Be Conducive to All Citizens
Civil servants are the backbone of public administration. They are appointed not to exercise power over citizens but to serve them. In a democratic country like Bangladesh, the government exists for the welfare of the people, and civil servants have a vital responsibility to translate government policies into effective public services. Therefore, they should be conducive, responsive, honest and always ready to serve the people.
Bangladesh has made several efforts to make public administration more people-oriented. The Citizen's Charter has been introduced in government offices to improve transparency, accountability and responsiveness. It informs citizens about available services, required procedures, fees and expected delivery times. However, the success of such initiatives largely depends on the attitude and commitment of government officials.
In many cases, ordinary citizens have to visit government offices for land registration, birth certificates, passports, social safety-net benefits, licences and other essential services. Poor, elderly and less-educated people often find administrative procedures difficult to understand. If officials behave rudely, delay files unnecessarily or demand unofficial payments, citizens suffer greatly. Such practices create frustration and weaken public confidence in government institutions. Civil servants should therefore develop a genuine service mentality. They should listen patiently to citizens, provide correct information, respect everyone equally and complete official work within the stipulated time. They must remember that their salaries and administrative institutions are ultimately supported by public money. Hence, citizens should be treated as clients and partners, not as people seeking personal favours.
Modern technology can also make public services faster and more accessible. Online applications, digital records, one-stop services and electronic payment systems can reduce unnecessary visits to government offices and limit opportunities for corruption. At the same time, officials must remain accountable for delays, negligence and misconduct.
Training is equally important. Civil servants should receive regular training in ethics, communication, digital skills, human rights and citizen-centered service delivery. Performance evaluation should consider not only administrative knowledge but also punctuality, integrity, responsiveness and public satisfaction.
A people-friendly civil service is essential for good governance and national development. When government officials are cooperative and responsible, citizens can obtain services without unnecessary difficulties. A positive relationship between civil servants and citizens can also strengthen social trust and contribute to faster economic and social development.
