To strengthen administrative and economic frameworks and advance sustainable development, government and private sector employees must remain free from political influence and see that they are not exploited as instruments of those in power. Article 21(2) of our Constitution clearly states: "Every person in the service of the Republic has a duty to strive at all times to serve the people." In practice, however, the government officials are often deployed in election campaigns, party meetings, or to safeguard the interests of influential political leaders. According to the 2023 report of the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the country has nearly 1.5 million government employees. Their duty is to ensure public service, but political pressure and favouritism frequently obstruct them from carrying out that responsibility. This not only weakens the state institutions but also fuels corruption and erodes public trust.
Although political influence is relatively less visible in the private sector, it is, however, by no means absent. The Ministry of Labour and Employment's 2024 report notes that nearly 40 million people are employed in the private sector. In many institutions, owners, supervisors, or managers try to impose their political ideology on employees. Workers are sometimes forced to join political programs under the threat of losing their jobs. Such practices violate labour rights and frustrate competent workers. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), a safe workplace includes not only physical safety but also freedom from political and psychological pressure. Yet, political interference undermines this principle, reducing productivity and driving skilled workers away.
There are three key reasons why this issue must be addressed urgently. First, citizens expect efficient, transparent, and rule-based service when they approach government offices -- not partisan loyalty. Second, political pressure often deprives capable officials of deserved promotions, thereby reducing their motivation and harming the economy. For example, a 2022 survey by the Public Service Commission (PSC) found that 40% of officials considered political influence to be a major barrier to career advancement. Third, political coercion and mental harassment not only violate labour laws but also breach human rights. Employees frequently face insecurity during regime changes or shifts in company ownership, threatening personal safety and social stability.
To safeguard national welfare, the Government Service Act 2018 must be implemented more rigorously. Transparent, merit-based promotion systems must be ensured so that qualifications and competence -- not political loyalty -- determine advancement. Similarly, in the private sector, labour laws should be strictly enforced to prevent workers from being compelled to participate in political or personal agendas. Above all, employees must remember that they serve the nation -- not a political party or individual.
If workplaces remain politically neutral, Bangladesh will continue to advance in development, economic stability, and democratic practices. Otherwise, corruption, bias, and mismanagement will only deepen, obstructing national progress. Now is the time to establish a neutral, accountable, and transparent work culture across both government and private sectors.
AKM Mahfuzur Rahman, Deputy Director (Faculty HR), North South University, and Former Vice President, Dhaka University Journalists' Association
