Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday said a politically neutral, professional and accountable civil service is essential to fulfilling public expectations and ensuring effective governance.

Speaking at a programme marking Public Service Day 2026 at the Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre (BPATC) in Savar, the minister said the civil service is the driving force of the state and must serve people with integrity, transparency and impartiality. 

He stressed that the bureaucracy should remain free from political influence and work solely in the interest of the people, saying citizens expect efficient, transparent and corruption-free public services.

Salahuddin said transparency and accountability must be ensured at every level of the administration to transform public service into a genuine servant of the people. He also underscored the need to strengthen professionalism, efficiency and ethical standards in the civil service to build public confidence. 

The home minister urged civil servants to embrace innovation, improve service delivery and remain responsive to people's needs in line with the government's commitment to establishing good governance.

Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Md Ehsanul Hoque chaired the programme, which was attended by senior government officials and civil servants.