The Public Administration Reform Commission has made recommendations for a modern bureaucracy in its reformation report submitted to the chief adviser.
Led by its chief Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, the reform commission handed over the report to Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus at the state guesthouse Jamuna on Wednesday (5 February).
It was constituted through a notification issued on 3 October 2024.
The commission had been tasked with proposing structural and operational reforms to create a public administration that is efficient, transparent, accountable, and service-oriented.
Initially composed of a limited number of members, the commission was later expanded through a subsequent notification on 24 October 2024.
Over a period of extensive research and consultation, the commission engaged in discussions with stakeholders across the government, civil society, business leaders, and media representatives.
To ensure inclusivity, questionnaires were distributed to officials and citizens across multiple administrative tiers.
More than 100,000 responses were collected, offering a comprehensive overview of public expectations and systemic challenges.
Field visits were conducted across eight districts and five upazilas to gather ground-level insights.
Additionally, 49 formal meetings were held to finalise the commission’s findings and recommendations.
Key recommendations for reform
The commission has structured its recommendations around six principal objectives:
Public-centric administration: Reforms must prioritise citizens' needs, ensuring ease of access to government services and fostering a people-first approach in governance.
Transparent and accountable governance: A robust mechanism for oversight and public scrutiny is essential for minimising bureaucratic inefficiencies and corruption.
Enhancement of administrative efficiency: The bureaucracy must undergo structural and operational changes to improve workflow efficiency and service delivery.
Neutrality in public administration: Ensuring an apolitical and independent administrative framework is crucial for fostering institutional credibility.
Service-oriented efficiency: Government agencies must focus on delivering quality services with improved responsiveness to public grievances.
Implementation of digital and strategic leadership models: Technology-driven administrative tools, enhanced training programmes, and leadership development initiatives are necessary for sustainable reform.
Implementation strategy
The commission’s report comprises 17 chapters, including over 200 specific recommendations.
These have been categorised into three implementation phases:
Short-Term (6 months): Immediate measures focusing on administrative simplifications and transparency initiatives.
Medium-Term (1 year): Structural overhauls in operational workflows, performance-based assessments, and digital governance reforms.
Long-Term: A sustainable transformation roadmap, focusing on strategic leadership development and institutional capacity building.
The commission’s recommendations also stress the importance of modernising personnel policies, improving interdepartmental coordination, and ensuring a streamlined service framework.
Additionally, special emphasis has been placed on reforming the health sector by engaging directly with healthcare professionals and policymakers.
Public Administration Reform Commission has also recommended dividing Bangladesh into four provinces as part of a significant governance overhaul.
At a press briefing at the state guesthouse Jamuna, the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing announced that the commission has also suggested creating separate administrative divisions for Cumilla and Faridpur.
Furthermore, it has proposed the establishment of a Greater Dhaka Capital City, encompassing both Dhaka and Narayanganj.
As part of its broader reform agenda, the commission has recommended the formation of a specialised immigration unit within the police force.
Additionally, it has put forward a proposal to restructure the Public Service Commission by creating three separate commissions to enhance administrative efficiency.
Political and institutional engagement
To encourage cross-party collaboration, formal written requests for recommendations were sent to 13 political parties, including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Amar Bangladesh Party, and the National People’s Party, who submitted their feedback in response.
Business associations such as the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) also contributed insights on administrative hurdles affecting economic growth.
The recommendations made by the Public Administration Reform Commission signal a transformative moment in Bangladesh’s bureaucratic landscape.
The success of these proposals, however, will depend on strong political will, effective implementation, and sustained institutional commitment.
