Cabinet Division asks DCs to implement PM’s 24 directives

The Cabinet Division has instructed deputy commissioners (DCs) across the country to implement 24 directives issued by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during the current government's first Deputy Commissioners' Conference.

The four-day conference was held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital from 3 to 6 May and was inaugurated by the prime minister.

In a letter sent today (17 May), Cabinet Division Deputy Secretary Md Mamun asked all divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners to implement the prime minister's directives with "due importance and priority."

The directives focus on improving efficiency, transparency and accountability in public administration, while strengthening anti-corruption measures and ensuring faster public services. District administrators were also asked to avoid unnecessary bureaucratic complications and make decisions quickly in the public interest.

The prime minister directed officials to ensure that recruitment, transfers and postings are based solely on honesty, merit and competence, while vacant posts should be filled quickly. The field administration was also asked to undertake reform initiatives to improve institutional effectiveness and accountability.

The directives place strong emphasis on expanding the use of artificial intelligence, automation and digital technology in administrative activities. DCs were instructed to accelerate digital transformation to make public services more efficient, transparent and accountable.

Maintaining stability in the prices of essential commodities was also highlighted. The Cabinet division asked local administrations to strengthen market monitoring and take legal action, including mobile court drives, against hoarding, market manipulation and artificial shortages.

The prime minister also instructed officials to ensure fair prices for farmers and improve access to fertiliser, seeds, irrigation, storage and marketing facilities to boost agricultural production.

On law and order, the directives call for immediate action against violations, stronger measures to maintain public security, rapid disposal of public complaints and ensuring harassment-free government services. Authorities were also asked to intensify anti-drug drives and preventive activities.

The directives further stress strict enforcement against child marriage and maintaining a zero-tolerance stance on violence against women and children. Local administrations were also instructed to strengthen coordination with public representatives and communities to preserve communal harmony.

The Cabinet division letter also emphasised employment generation, youth skill development and technology-based training. DCs were asked to support entrepreneurship development and encourage greater participation in sports, cultural and volunteer activities at the local level.

The prime minister also instructed field administration to strengthen coordination among government offices to ensure effective implementation of public welfare programmes