Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Dr Md Mokhlesur Rahman today spoke to take early preparation ahead of the national polls to ensure the elections are conducted in a free and fair manner. Photo : Collected

KHULNA, Aug 12, 2025 (BSS) - Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Dr Md Mokhlesur Rahman today urged government officials in Khulna to take early preparation ahead of the national polls to ensure the elections are conducted in a free and fair manner.

"After the July uprising, it is time to identify and address our shortcomings. We must be mentally prepared for the next polls so that they are free and fair. We have to make the elections acceptable to the people, and there is no alternative to this," he said.

Speaking as the chief guest, the senior secretary made these remarks at a view-exchange meeting held at the Khulna District Shilpakala Academy.

Khulna district officers, the deputy commissioner, upazila nirbahi officers, and the additional commissioner (land), among others, attended the meeting.

"We must carry out our duties free from personal interest and bias; otherwise, disputes over our performance will arise. A narrow mindset will only hold the nation back," Dr Mokhlesur added.

Calling on all officials to prioritize public interest while performing their duties, he said, "If you don't prioritize the interests of the state, people will have nowhere to go."

Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md Firoz Sarkar presided over the discussion, while Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Saiful Islam gave the vote of thanks.

Khulna University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Rezaul Karim, Khulna Naval Area Commander Rear Admiral Golam Sadeq, Khulna Range DIG Md Rezaul Haque and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Zulfikar Ali Haider, among others, spoke on the occasion.