Govt committed to communal harmony, merit-based administration: Zabiullah

Reaffirming the government’s resolve to depoliticise the civil service and foster interfaith solidarity, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Public Administration Md Ismail Zabiullah stated on Tuesday that the current BNP administration remains firmly committed to upholding communal harmony and building a merit-based state apparatus.

Zabiullah made the remarks while visiting several Durga Puja mandaps across Lakshmipur Sadar, Ramgati, and Kamalnagar upazilas, according to a press release.

He conveyed warm greetings to the Hindu community on the occasion of Durga Puja, following an exchange-of-views meeting with local party leaders.

"In civil service transfers, postings, promotions, and recruitments, merit and professional competence are being prioritised above all else," the adviser said.

"We want to leave behind past divisions and partisan considerations to build a merit-based Bangladesh. No one will face discrimination or deprivation on account of their religious identity, nor will anyone receive undue privilege."

Highlighting the ruling party’s Election Manifesto 2026, Zabiullah announced that monthly honorariums and festival allowances are being disbursed not only to mosque imams, muezzins, and khadems, but also to priests, shebaits, principals, vice-principals, and clerics serving across Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian places of worship.

All religious institutions nationwide will be brought under this welfare umbrella within the next four years.

Later, addressing a civic gathering in Kamalnagar after offering prayers at his mother’s grave, the adviser observed that differing viewpoints and robust criticism represent the true essence of democracy.

"However, when it comes to national sovereignty and the supreme interests of the state, we must forge an unyielding unity irrespective of political affiliation, creed, or faith. The cornerstone of our politics remains: 'Bangladesh First, Bangladesh for All'."

In Ramgati, the adviser inspected the proposed site for a Tk75 crore Technical Training Centre (TTC) in Char Sita mouza, evaluating its road connectivity and infrastructure feasibility.

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He instructed the project director of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment to ensure timely completion while maintaining strict quality and transparency, noting that the facility will play a vital role in equipping local youths with exportable trade skills.

Earlier, while distributing medical supplies at Hazirhat Union Health and Family Welfare Centre in Kamalnagar, Zabiullah underscored the government's drive to roll out universal primary healthcare.

He reiterated plans to incrementally raise the national health budget to 5% of GDP in the coming years to spare rural citizens from flocking to urban centres for basic treatment.

"Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman initiated grassroots healthcare by establishing 30-bed upazila complexes, which were subsequently upgraded to 50 beds under former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia," he recalled.

"In continuation of that legacy, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced the expansion of all upazila health complexes to 150 beds, and concrete steps are already underway to implement this vision."