The four-day Deputy Commissioners’ (DC) Conference, held from May 3 to May 6, concluded yesterday, with DCs returning to their respective districts with directives to prioritise public interest and ensure that government initiatives reach their intended beneficiaries.
Officials said the conference underscored the government’s focus on strengthening transparency and accountability in field administration. Several deputy commissioners confirmed that implementing the electoral manifesto was also emphasised as a key priority.
DCs from all 64 districts and eight divisional commissioners took part in the conference, where 498 proposals on field-level challenges and development planning were discussed.
Sources said that following its electoral victory on February 12, the BNP-led government under Tarique Rahman assumed office on February 17, making this the first DC conference under the new administration. Officials said DCs are returning with what they described as “key policy directions” for field administration.
According to sources, the prime minister met DCs in two sessions during the conference. On May 3, the opening day, they received policy guidance at the inaugural session. On the final day, May 6, they took part in an open discussion with the prime minister and attended a meeting of the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association, where further directives were issued.
Ministers, advisers and state ministers also instructed DCs to act as field-level representatives of the government while safeguarding its image and prioritising public welfare. They were directed to maintain zero tolerance towards injustice, corruption, mismanagement and irregularities in administration.
Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ruhul Amin said DCs serve as the government’s field representatives and implementation officers for state programmes. “We will try to follow all instructions received at the conference,” he said.
Officials said the prime minister stressed the need to build a people-oriented, transparent and accountable administration. Field offices were instructed to become more dynamic, welfare-oriented and efficient in implementing government programmes.
The government also reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on corruption and mismanagement, warning that no irregularities at the field level would be tolerated. Officials said DCs were cautioned that their future performance assessments would depend on their field-level activities.
Market monitoring and inflation control featured prominently in the conference. DCs were instructed to prevent illegal stockpiling of essential commodities and ensure price stability. Mobile courts were encouraged where necessary, with year-round monitoring responsibilities assigned.
Law and order was another major focus. Authorities said DCs were instructed to maintain strict control in anticipation of potential natural disasters and seasonal challenges. Around 10,000 licensed firearms remain unsubmitted despite government directives, posing what officials described as a “serious security risk.” DCs were instructed to recover these weapons, cancel licences where applicable and initiate legal proceedings without leniency.
Land management reform was also highlighted. Authorities said DCs were directed to eliminate public harassment in land-related services through modernisation and e-governance-based systems, ensuring faster and more transparent service delivery.
The government also ordered a reduction in luxury and non-essential development spending. New vehicle purchases have been suspended, and DCs were instructed to ensure the timely and quality completion of ongoing development projects through close monitoring.
The Health Services Division placed 44 proposals, including ensuring the availability of ambulances and anti-venom supplies at upazila hospitals. DCs were warned that negligence in healthcare delivery would not be tolerated, with instructions to ensure services at district, upazila and union levels.
Investment and employment generation were also discussed, with directives to revive closed state-owned factories under the Ministry of Textiles and Jute. Officials said around 50 closed or underperforming mills are expected to be transferred to the private sector, alongside plans to establish new economic zones within a year.
To counter misinformation and social instability, DCs were instructed to strengthen cybersecurity measures and establish fact-checking centres at the local level. They were also urged to accelerate development project implementation and promote solar energy use to reduce electricity consumption.
Pirojpur Deputy Commissioner Abu Saeed said he is returning to his district carrying “positive government messages” and expects the directives to be implemented as public welfare initiatives.
Former additional secretary Mohiuddin Ahmed said DCs play a crucial role in safeguarding the government’s image at the field level. “Ensuring transparency and accountability in field administration is the core objective of the current government,” he said, adding that proper implementation of the directives is essential.