Govt to take stern action against bureaucratic misconduct: Nahid

Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Adviser Md Nahid Islam on Friday announced that strict measures will be implemented against bureaucrats who violate service rules or engage in corruption, particularly those associated with the previous regime.  

Speaking at the closing session of the National Dialogue 2024 on "Unity, Reform, and Elections," Nahid emphasized that actions would be taken against bureaucrats who misuse their positions under the guise of protests. "We had a meeting on this issue earlier today. Stern measures will be initiated next week against those who have violated service rules in the name of protests," he said.  

Nahid also warned that corrupt bureaucrats who were closely linked to the previous administration would face scrutiny. "We have identified individuals from the former regime who are evading accountability in various ways. They too will be held responsible soon," he added.  

Referring to recent instances of bureaucrats making public statements, Nahid criticized their actions as undermining official protocols and democratic values. "These individuals gained such audacity during the previous regime, which used bureaucracy as a tool to bolster fascism," he remarked.  

Addressing the broader role of bureaucrats, Nahid called for a renewed commitment to serving the public and supporting democratic reforms. "This is a crucial time for bureaucrats to align with the people and the nation�s democratic transition. Countless lives were sacrificed not for factional interests, but for meaningful change," he stated.  

Nahid assured that reforms would include input from bureaucrats, ensuring their voices are heard. However, he expressed disapproval of the reactions from some bureaucrats following the introduction of reform proposals, deeming them both "morally and legally unjustified."  

Discussing the interim government�s role, Nahid described it as a transitional body navigating a complex period of change. "This government is neither fully constitutional nor revolutionary; it is navigating uncharted territory following a mass uprising," he explained.  

He emphasized that the interim administration was focused on reforms born out of the 15-year struggle for democracy. "The consensus achieved during the uprising and the formation of the interim government must be upheld as we prioritize reforms in governance, economy, education, and health to complete this transitional phase," Nahid asserted.  

The session, held at the Krishibid Institute in Dhaka, featured speeches from several political leaders and activists, including Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Former BNP state minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milan, Adviser to the BNP's acting chairperson Dr Mahadi Amin, Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant secretary general Hamidur Rahman Azad, Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) Member Secretary Mojibur Rahman Manju, Millennium University Chairperson Roksana Khandaker, Human rights activist Ilira Dewan, Advocate Dilruba Sharmin, Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Ahmed, General Secretary of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal Nasir Uddin Nasir and Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir president Manjurul Islam also addressed the session, moderated by Syed Abdullah.