Staff Correspondent

Minister for Health and Family Welfare Sarder Md. Sakhawat Hossain has stated that honesty, prudence, and punctuality on the part of government officials constitute a fundamental expression of patriotism.

The minister made these remarks on Friday night while addressing an audience as the chief guest at a reception ceremony organized by Weekly Shomoy O Kotha and Rhythm Group at the Fars Hotel in the capital, honoring officials recommended for the 45th BCS cadre from Narsingdi district.

Addressing the newly recommended BCS officials, Health Minister Sakhawat Hossain remarked that abstaining from illicit financial gains is not the sole definition of integrity. Rather, true honesty is rooted in punctuality, accountability to one's position, and responsibility toward the public. He emphasized that whether in the public or private sector, a core duty of any official must be ensuring the welfare of the people.

"Your families and society have made immense contributions to help you reach this position. You carry a definitive responsibility toward ordinary citizens. As officials of this country, you must cultivate an internal sense of accountability in every task you undertake," he said.

Sharing his early career experiences from the banking sector, the Health Minister recalled a work culture where arriving at the office by 8:30 AM and returning home at 9:00 PM after completing all tasks was standard practice, noting that such dedication to work remains relevant today.

Highlighting various developmental initiatives in Narsingdi district, he announced that as a gift from the Prime Minister, a medical college has been established in Narsingdi, which is set to commence its academic journey with an intake of 50 students.

Besides , a trauma center will soon open along the Dhaka-Sylhet highway in Narsingdi, alongside ongoing plans and efforts to establish a diabetic hospital and a mother and child care center.

Presided over by Narsingdi-3 Member of Parliament Monjur Elahi, the event featured Bangladesh Energy and Power Research Council Chairman (Senior Secretary) Mohammad Wahid Hossain as the principal speaker. Other distinguished attendees included Government Secretary Md. Obaidur Rahman, BSCIC Chairman Md. Saiful Islam, Department of Jute Director General Syed Md. Nurul Basir, and Rhythm Group Managing Director Md. Sohag Hossain, alongside various dignitaries.