In the first Secretaries' Meeting under the BNP-led administration, the government underscored the mandatory implementation of digital attendance systems across public offices to ensure staff presence and strengthen administrative accountability.

Chaired by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani on Tuesday afternoon (September 15) at the Secretariat, the high-level meeting marked the first such gathering of civil service heads in nearly two years, following a long hiatus since September 2024.

Key Agenda Items and Administrative Focus

The four-point agenda focused on government operational coordination, the approval of the "National Renewable Energy Development Strategy (2026–2030)", measures to enhance public service efficiency, and informal policy issues impacting public welfare.

Central to the discussion was the mounting pressure on the national economy and energy sector triggered by the Middle East crisis. To mitigate escalating global fuel costs resulting from the war in Iran, the government directed a strategic shift toward renewable energy to curb import reliance.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior secretary confirmed that the expansion of solar power—specifically rooftop solar installations on state buildings and incentivizing private sector solar adoption—dominated energy discussions.

Key operational decisions and directives highlighted during the session included:

• Digital Attendance & Governance: Strict enforcement of digital biometric attendance across government departments to prevent absenteeism and curb institutional corruption.

• Energy Security: Installing rooftop solar panels on all state-owned infrastructure, offering private sector solar incentives, and expediting domestic energy transition models.

• Public Sector Recruitment: Accelerated timelines to fill vacant positions across public administration to boost operational efficiency.

• Priority Welfare Programs: Strict transparency and oversight in beneficiary selection and budget utilization for flagship initiatives, specifically the Family Card distribution and nationwide canal excavation drives.