Jumbangla Desk: The Chief Secretary of the Office of the Chief Adviser, M Siraj Uddin Mia, has raised the question whether the system consisting of officers who work as 'associates of party looters' can be called civil service or not. He said, that service is a fragile civil service, which cannot be known as civil service. It was not a public service. Some are also questioning its necessity.

He said these things at a seminar titled 'Administrative Reforms and Development: Current Prospects and Future Thoughts' at Biam Auditorium in the capital on Saturday evening.

He spoke as the chief guest at the seminar organized by Bangladesh Administrative Service Association (BASA).

Special guest in the event was the senior secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration. Mokhles Ur Rahman, Secretary of Public Security. Abdul Momen. Mahbubur Rahman, general secretary of the association conducted the program. The keynote speech was presented by Hafizur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of Public Private Partnership (PPP) Authority. Chaired by the president of the organization and the secretary of the National Parliament Secretariat. Anwar Ullah.

Siraj said, 'In 15 and a half years, we have taken the civil service, including the administration service, to where we have to keep in mind. Was it any service at all? Could it be called a service? At that time, it was a service of accomplices to organized looters, accomplices in corrupting the country's society and economy. Many who worked at that time may be upset. But it is true that it was not a public service.'

"Such a service that has been reduced to the state it has been in for 15-and-a-half years with political miscreants who have looted the country, undermined the electoral system of the country, destroyed good governance altogether, is a fragile civil service, which cannot be called a civil service," he added. He did.

The Chief Secretary said, 'I received such a service after August 5. August 5 must not be forgotten. Because none of those who were on the job before, got on stage and raised slogans, believed that events like July-August could happen through students. Many former officials present here have worked against the dictatorial government in various ways. I am the witness. Along with the students' movement, there were many political leaders and workers, private employees. But those who were working, can anyone say with their hands on the chest, did something for change? One or two may have done it, I pay my respects to them.'

He said, 'I have been on the job for more than a month. As far as I can tell, we are in a big image crisis. The administration and the police are two services that the agitators see very well? I can say with my hand on my chest, I am in a mixed state.'

Pointing out that a transitional period is going on now, the Chief Secretary said, 'The advantage of the transitional period is that there is an opportunity to move towards a better direction from here. The danger of transition is that the current situation can go from bad to worse. Now the decision is ours. See what you want to do.'

He also said, 'Administration cadre officers who are different from others, who are more than others in competence and skills, they are the most necessary for the country, must be made visible to everyone. We have no choice but to rebuild our image. But sad to say, during the last one month of duty, I did not get any word from our cadre friends, colleagues or Anuj about the overall vision of our professional development. I asked in detail, but did not get a response. I'm not saying don't talk about personal grievances, you must. But I expected to get a holistic approach, but I didn't get that. Even from those whom I respect as smart, intelligent officers, I did not get such an offer.'

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