Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked secretaries to take strict measures to prevent extortion, terrorist activities and violation of tender conditions using muscle men across the country.
Addressing the chief executives of different divisions and ministries in a letter, the PM has said they should be alert about possible acts of sabotage and terrorism in the country and ensure security for public life and wealth and stable environment in the industrial areas at any cost.
Officials concerned yesterday told the Dhaka Tribune that the PM had mapped out a 19-point directive on implementing different government programmes and maintaining a peaceful state in the country. The points were decided in a cabinet meeting on April 7.
Cabinet Secretary M Musharraf Hossain Bhuiyan sent the letter to all secretaries on Wednesday, stating that the premier was concerned about the ministries not performing at the required pace.
According to the letter, the prime minister observed that different ministries were making unnecessary delays in implementing government decisions. She urged the secretaries to take personal initiatives to solve ministry problems.
As per the directive, the authorities concerned are required to conduct a feasibility study to determine if several public administration commissions could be established to accommodate additional government officials who passed Public Service Commission exam.
The secretaries should also take on development projects under the new Annual Development Programmes in line with the election manifesto, the letter said, adding that they should also ensure proper utilisation of the ADP fund.
In undertaking the development projects, the secretaries should keep the environmental issues in mind, as per the directives.
They should also support the government in court trials when necessary. An attorney service would be set up for the government as well, the letter said.
The PM also directed the secretaries to strengthen the upazila administration for decentralisation of administrative power. She said the upazila chairpersons should have full authority to run administration and conduct projects to ensure development in infrastructure, education, health and law. They should also be able to enhance government revenues at the upazila level, the letter said.
The secretaries should also finalise the public administrative act. The letter asked the secretaries to pay more attention to the ministries and ensure all the due taxes and utility bills were paid.
