Public services are a key way through which a state ensures administrative support, development and justice for its citizens. However, in Bangladesh, prolonged delays in public services have become a persistent problem, causing widespread inconvenience and harassment.
Even for simple certificates or approvals, people often need to visit government offices repeatedly. Minor tasks are unnecessarily delayed, creating undue suffering. Since many offices are still not fully digitised, files are moved manually from one desk to another, allowing inefficiency and even concealment of information.
A major cause of these delays is the lack of accountability. When tasks are delayed, no one is held responsible, allowing corruption and unethical practices to flourish. Prolonged delays disrupt professional and academic lives and adversely affect both citizens' daily lives and the national economy.
These issues can be addressed through political commitment, strict accountability for officials, improved work culture and enhanced skills of service providers. Bringing government activities under a comprehensive online system would also help significantly. Only a modern, transparent and efficient administration can create a truly service-oriented state.
Lotus Jahangir
Student
University of Rajshahi