Officials of non-financial public institutions barred from receiving gifts from service-takers without approval

The government has issued a Code of Conduct for all officials and employees of non-financial public institutions, prohibiting them from accepting gifts or valuable items from service recipients without prior approval from the relevant authorities.

These public servants – such as officials and employees at land offices, public hospitals, and police stations –  are prohibited from engaging in any activities that could directly or indirectly benefit their family members.

The Monitoring Cell under the Finance Division, responsible for overseeing state-owned enterprises, issued the directive in a notification today titled "Code of Conduct for Non-Financial Public Institutions".

Signed by Rahima Begum, additional secretary and director general of the Cell, the directive further said officials must perform their duties in a manner that allows service recipients to express their satisfaction upon receiving services.

However, the Code does not specify what actions will be taken if these regulations are violated.

Mahbub Ahmed, former senior secretary of the Finance Division, believes a code of conduct filled with "ethical rhetoric" will achieve nothing, as it will neither improve the quality of services nor reduce irregularities and corruption.

He pointed out that the principles outlined in the Code of Conduct are already covered under the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules. Moreover, criminal laws clearly define bribery, corruption, procurement irregularities, and harassment by service providers as punishable offences.

He added that the real need is the strict implementation of existing laws – or, if necessary, even tougher legislation – to ensure accountability and transparency. "Without strict enforcement of these existing laws, merely issuing well-worded guidelines will bring no real change."

Other key points in Code

The newly issued Code outlines that directors and employees maintain records of gifts and benefits, regulate personal and institutional travel, and adhere to legal procedures in procurement and tendering. 

It also prohibits involvement with businesses having a commercial interest in their institution, as well as accepting external work without approval. 

It mandates integrity, fairness, and legality from all government service providers, urging them to avoid actions that could benefit them at the expense of their institution.

The Code stresses the importance of showing "equal respect and empathy for people of all religions and backgrounds", ensuring a work environment free from "harassment, discrimination, or any other uncomfortable conduct".

It further mandates the creation of opportunities for service recipients to express their feedback, whether positive or negative, regarding their experience.

To prevent irregularities in government procurement, the Code of Conduct prohibits the misinterpretation of laws or rules to manipulate tendering processes.

Additionally, public institutions are barred from securing foreign loans or making financial commitments in foreign currency without prior approval from the Finance Division.