Prof Yunus to instruct secretaries on policy implementation

Following the recent transfer, promotion, dismissal and the placement of some officials on special duty (OSD) after the change of power, public administration in the country remains in a state of flux.

To address the ensuing challenges and streamline government operations, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is set to meet with all secretaries on Wednesday at his office.

The meeting, scheduled for 11am, will focus on enhancing the efficiency of public administration in implementing government policies and programmes, according to sources within the Cabinet Division. Additionally, there will be various other topics under miscellaneous discussions, they said.

Letters were sent out to all the secretaries on Sunday, inviting them to attend the meeting, added the sources.

Speaking to the Daily Sun on condition of anonymity, a secretary said that the public administration has been experiencing instability since the interim government took office, leading to a slowdown in the activities of ministries and divisions.

“We expect directives to accelerate the pace of work,” the secretary noted, adding, “Moreover, the secretaries may receive instructions to quickly implement the sector-specific priorities set by the interim government.”

Officials also believe that the chief adviser may seek feedback from the secretaries, and based on their opinions, various guidelines could be issued.

Additionally, the chief adviser may provide directives on how to reduce corruption across all sectors.

The Sheikh Hasina-led government fell on 5 August in the face of a mass uprising led by students.

The interim government, headed by Nobel laureate Prof Yunus, was formed on 8 August.

After forming the government, Yunus held a meeting on 12 August with the secretaries of the ministries and divisions that were under his charge. In that meeting, he instructed the secretaries to leverage the changes brought about by the power of youth.

Meanwhile, Prof Yunus started his official duties from the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon, which was formerly used as the Prime Minister’s Office, on Sunday.

Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina on 5 August, agitated crowds entered the PMO. After 15 days of renovation, the office was prepared for the chief adviser’s use, and the nameplate was changed accordingly.

Until Sunday, Prof Yunus has been conducting all official work from the state residence Jamuna, which served as his temporary office.