Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian on Sunday urged public officials to focus on bringing positive change to society rather than pursuing personal advancement alone, saying the true value of public service lies in one’s contribution to the state and its people.
“The real question is not what I achieved in my career or how much my life improved, but what I gave back to the state,” he said while inaugurating a three-day training course on office and financial management for union parishad administrative officers and accounts assistants-cum-computer operators at the Primary Teachers’ Training Institute (PTI) in Chattogram.
The programme, organised by the National Institute of Local Government (NILG) and implemented by the district administration, brought together 160 officials from union parishads across the district.
Addressing the participants, Zahid said many people expect change from others while remaining reluctant to change themselves.
“If we want a better society and a better state, we must begin by changing our own attitudes and outlook,” he said.
Describing learning as a lifelong process, he stressed the importance of applying knowledge gained through training in day-to-day work. As technology and public expectations continue to evolve, government services must also adapt to meet citizens’ needs, he added.
The deputy commissioner said public servants are paid from taxpayers’ money and therefore have a responsibility to ensure quality service delivery.
“Public service is not merely a position; it is a commitment to the people. Citizens should not face harassment or neglect when seeking services from government offices,” he said.
He also reminded the participants that public officials eventually become service recipients themselves.
“One day you will be sitting on the other side of the table. Perform your duties in the way you would expect to be treated as a citizen,” he said.
Expressing concern over public dissatisfaction with government services, Zahid said improving service quality requires not only administrative efficiency but also greater responsibility, ethics and humanity among officials.
He further noted that no training, directive or law alone can bring meaningful change unless individuals embrace moral values, accountability and a sense of duty.
Highlighting the role of union parishad officials in grassroots governance, he said efficient and citizen-friendly service delivery is essential to building a humane, safe and responsive society.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Md Sharif Uddin chaired the programme and called on participants to apply the knowledge gained through the training to improve public services at the local level.
Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate SM Amirul Mostafa delivered the introductory remarks, while Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate Farzana Rahman Mim moderated the session. Atiya Chowdhury, deputy director of the Department of Women’s Affairs in Chattogram, also addressed the programme as a resource person.
The training, which runs until June 23, covers office management, financial management, accounting and auditing procedures, public procurement regulations, and the effective use of information technology.
