Rashedul Islam Akib


The true foundation of a state is built upon justice, and administration is the primary means to uphold that foundation. Without a justice-based administration, a state's structure may survive, but its soul withers away. Administration is not merely a mechanism of governance—it is the bridge between the people's expectations, fairness, and their rightful claims. Therefore, if discrimination, favoritism, or irregularities infiltrate the administrative system, it destabilizes not just individuals, but the entire society. Let us begin with a small story. Rajib, a talented student from a remote village, passed the BCS (Bangladesh Civil Service) examination but lagged behind during the recruitment phase because he lacked influential connections or political backing. Meanwhile, a less competent candidate from a powerful family effortlessly secured a high-ranking government position. Such incidents are not isolated to Rajib alone—countless young dreams across the country are crushed in similar ways. When administrative discrimination determines individual destinies, frustration extends beyond the personal level, casting a long shadow over national progress.
The primary responsibility of administration is to ensure equal opportunities, establish justice, and instill in every citizen the confidence that merit alone is the pathway to advancement. But what do we witness in reality? Certain central city areas gleam with sophisticated development and abundant facilities, while remote regions such as char areas or hill tracts still lack adequate access to electricity, water, and education. This discriminatory development is not just unfair—it sows the seeds of future social unrest.
Another example can be drawn from administrative services. Imagine a poor farmer tirelessly visiting government offices for weeks to obtain a land deed, while the powerful and wealthy receive the same services effortlessly at home. Such disparities provoke a painful question among the people: "Can this state truly guarantee justice for all?" The recruitment of administrative personnel also clearly reflects these issues. Where merit and competence should be the sole criteria, political loyalty, financial influence, and familial connections often play decisive roles. The result? Rising inefficiency within the administration, a weakening of service delivery, and a growing sense of disillusionment among the youth regarding lawful pathways to success. The devaluation of merit not only shatters the morale of the diligent but also obstructs the nation's progress. If this situation continues unchecked, what lies ahead? Public trust in administration will erode, the youth will begin to accept injustice as the norm, and a marginalized class will emerge—one that may ultimately choose the path of unrest and chaos under the guise of protest. But is this dark future what we desire? Certainly not. Therefore, timely administrative reforms are urgently needed.
Firstly, transparency must be ensured at every stage of recruitment, promotion, and service delivery. Merit, competence, and integrity should be the sole considerations. Secondly, strict accountability must be established against those involved in favoritism and irregularities. Thirdly, the use of technology must be expanded through the introduction of e-governance, minimizing human intervention in service delivery processes. Online systems for land records, citizen services, and grievance submissions must be introduced, ensuring that even the poor and marginalized enjoy equal access.
Additionally, regular training programs focused on ethics, human values, and constitutional principles should be made mandatory for administrative officials. They must be constantly reminded that administrators are meant to serve the people, not to rule over them. Most importantly, an independent and fearless grievance redressal center should be established, where citizens can lodge complaints against administrative misconduct without fear, and where complaints will be investigated with due seriousness. These initiatives will not yield results overnight—but with continuous efforts, we can build an administration where a citizen’s rights, not their identity, define their standing. An administration that stands for justice, equality, and humanity.

In conclusion, eliminating discrimination within administration is not just essential for the development of the state, but crucial for the very survival of the nation. Embracing the ideals of justice, equal rights, and humanity, a discrimination-free administration can lead the nation forward—toward the creation of a liberal, justice-loving, and sustainably developed state.

Student,University of Chittagong