Desk Report, 24 January:

The government has planned to recruit around 3.5 lakh people in the existing vacant posts of public administration aiming to make public services smooth and people-oriented.

“At present, there are 3 to 3.5 lakh job vacancies in the public administration. As per the instruction of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, we are taking steps to fill up most of the vacancies,” State Minister for Public
Administration Farhad Hossain told BSS.

In its election manifesto ahead of the last general election, Awami League (AL) set a target to increase the country’s GDP growth to 10 percent in the next five years and create employment opportunities for 1.28 crore
people during the period.

Referring to the manifesto, Farhad said 100 economic zones are being established across the country while the implementation of different mega projects continues for creating more employment opportunities.

“In the economic zones and mega projects, a huge number of employments will be created. That’s why I think, the target of creating employment opportunities will be exceeded within the government’s tenure,” he said.

As per the election manifesto, he said, the AL government will ensure good governance in all the sectors, showing zero tolerance against graft.

“The Prime Minister has given clear message to the Ministry of Public Administration that the public administration will have to work entirely reaching above corruption. Salary and allowances of the government officials
have been increased a lot. Now, there is no scope for corruption,” he added.

Farhad said the message has already been reached to the grassroots of the public administration. “We want to make the public administration transparent and free from corruption for the sake of public welfare. We are working
sincerely to ensure such an environment where everybody can get their desired services without any hurdle.”

Replying a question, the state minister said the decision on increasing the age limit of entering public service will be taken after discussion in the upcoming parliament session.

“Parliament session will begin on January 30 next. The issue is likely to be discussed in the House,” he said.

He said the government is moving forward to build a knowledge- and technology-based middle income country within 2021.

To achieve the goal, Farhad said, the public administration is playing a vital role in ensuring transparency and integrity in its activities.

Referring to the development activities carried by the government during its last 10 year tenure, he said Bangladesh has achieved a remarkable success in all the socioeconomic indicators, including education, GDP growth and per
capita income.