Staff Correspondent

State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin has said, securing a government job through a completely transparent process for a nominal fee of Tk 125, free from lobbying or bribery, is unprecedented in Bangladesh's history over the past two decades.

The State Minister made the remarks on Monday while addressing an orientation program for newly appointed Peshkars (bench assistants) at the central seminar room of the Department of Land Records and Surveys (DLRS) at Bhumi Bhaban in Tejgaon, Dhaka on Tuesday.

Presided over by DLRS Director General Md. Abul Hasanat, the event was addressed by Land Minister Md. Mizanur Rahman Minu as the chief guest.

Addressing the new recruits, State Minister Mir Helal said, "The way you secured your jobs without any lobbying, spending only Tk 125, truly moves us. For the past 20 years, the country was plagued by corruption and irregularities. The entire land management system has had to bear the burden of graft committed by a handful of individuals at the field level. Everyone must remain corruption-free and perform their duties with absolute honesty."

He noted that since forming the government with an overwhelming public mandate, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has prioritized administrative transparency, drawing from the 31-point reform agenda.

Emphasizing citizen-centric public service, the State Minister added, "The Prime Minister always says that citizens who come to government offices for services are the true owners of this country. You must recognize them as the masters of the republic and deliver the highest standard of service."

In his inaugural address, Land Minister Md. Mizanur Rahman Minu praised the merit-based recruitment process, asserting that the government is fully committed to eradicating social disparities, ensuring public welfare, and maintaining a corruption-free work environment. He advised the newly appointed staff to uphold their integrity and serve the public diligently.

Other speakers at the event emphasized strict monitoring to prevent public harassment in land offices, noting recent administrative steps such as the introduction of digital citizen services and long-stalled promotions for Kanungos.

Newly appointed employees Mst. Farhana Khatun, Md. Shihab Uddin, and Shakil Ahmed spoke at the event, expressing profound gratitude to the government for establishing a transparent, merit-based hiring system.

Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Land A.S.M. Saleh Ahmed, Land Appeal Board Chairman Md. Abdullah Al Baqui, and Land Reforms Board Chairman A.Z.M. Salahuddin Nagari, among other senior officials, were present at the ceremony.