Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked the public servants to devote themselves to the welfare of the people who pay taxes for their salaries and comforts.

"All of you are getting salaries and perks from the money paid by the common people as taxes. So, you have to work for their welfare and in their interest," she said.

Hasina was speaking at a programme marking the National Public Services Day and distribution of Bangabandhu Public Administration Award-2022.

The event was held at the capital's Osmani Memorial Auditorium, with the PM joining it virtually from the Gono Bhaban.

The premier said socio-economic development of the grassroots people is the main target of the government and it works keeping that goal in mind.

She said that the government wants to take the administrative system to the common people's doorsteps so that every employee of the republic can perform their responsibilities as specified in the country's constitution.

Hasina said the government was creating a congenial atmosphere at workplaces so that public servants could perform their duties smoothly and without fear.

She said that the government has taken a special initiative to let the public servants purchase vehicles and flats borrowing money from the government.

"We have taken steps to ease your tension about your families so that you can think about the people."

Talking about the Russia-Ukraine war and sanctions on Russia by the US, Hasina said it was thought that a lesson would be taught to a country by imposing sanctions.

"But all are suffering now due to imparting of the lesson. All are being affected by this."

Inflation has risen worldwide, she said, adding that developed countries like Britain and the US have started exercising austerity in using power and energy.

Regarding Bangladesh, the PM said, "As we have so far performed our duties with sincerity and skillfully, we are advancing properly compared to many other countries across the world.

"But considering the future, we have to exercise austerity and avoid wastage. We have to give special attention to this," she added.

Referring to criticism from opposition parties and the media, Hasina urged the officials to check if there were any lapses.

She asked bureaucrats not to get confused and depressed. "You have to be confident that what you are doing is for the welfare of the people."

Earlier, on behalf of the PM, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque distributed the awards among the winners.

PM JOINS AL MEETING

Speaking at a meeting of the Awami League's Dhaka North and South units, Hasina said she will offer tea to BNP leaders and give them a patient hearing even if they go to lay seize to her office as she believe in democracy.

The meeting was held at the AL central office on Bangabandhu Avenue yesterday, with the PM, also the party president, joining it virtually from the Gono Bhaban.

The premier, however, warned that stern actions would be taken if BNP leaders and activists resort to hurling bombs and carry out vandalism in the name of holding political programmes.

The AL chief once again questioned about BNP's leadership. "Who is running the party now?" she asked.

Hasina refuted BNP leaders' allegation that the government did not allow them to speak. "After speaking all day, they allege that they are not allowed to speak."