|| Prime Minister's Adviser on Public Administration Ismail Zabihullah today said the application of artificial intelligence (AI) would make public administration more citizen-friendly.He made the remarks while addressing the certificate award and closing ceremony of the 144th and 145th Law and Administration Courses at the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) Administration Academy in Shahbagh, Dhaka today.Zabihullah said a skilled, innovative, technology-driven and people-oriented public administration must be built under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. At the same time, he stressed the need to ensure the highest standards of talent, hard work and integrity to build a prosperous, dignified and vibrant Bangladesh.Zabihullah said public administration in today's world is no longer confined to paperwork but has become knowledge-, technology- and innovation-driven. He noted that AI is already playing an important role in policy analysis, service delivery, complaint resolution, corruption prevention and data-driven decision-making.He said future administrative officers must be equipped with necessary technology government digital platforms must be made more effective and citizen-friendly through AI.The adviser said that alongside the readymade garment sector, Bangladesh must develop the leather industry, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, high-tech manufacturing and knowledge-based service sectors to further strengthen the national economy. To achieve this goal, he said, the government has allocated Tk 5 billion for the startup sector in the current fiscal year.Referring to China's "One Village, One Product" initiative, he said Bangladesh should utilize the unique potential of each district by promoting production, processing, branding and marketing through coordinated efforts. He also called on officials to implement such a project on a pilot basis in one district.He further said an administrative officer's identity lies not in his or her designation but in work, integrity and innovative thinking. Every officer, he said, should take new initiatives to simplify people's lives, save time and ensure the optimum use of state resources.The Public Administration Adviser said Bangladesh is moving towards a new horizon of opportunities under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He said public administration officials have a crucial role in establishing discipline, accountability and a strong work culture in state governance.He added that the government has already adopted a 180-day action plan and is preparing a national action plan to implement the commitments made in its election manifesto. He said the sincere efforts, professional competence and dedication of officials at all levels, including the field administration, are essential for the successful implementation of these programmes.Addressing the newly trained officers, Zabihullah said they would face many challenges during their careers but should turn every challenge into an opportunity. He urged them to continue acquiring knowledge and remain ready to embrace new technologies and ideas.He said the certificates they received marked not the end of their education but the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning.Speaking as chair of the programme, Rector of the BCS Administration Academy Dr. Mohammad Altaf-Ul-Alam said the training had been conducted with the philosophy of "Administration for the people, not people for the administration."He said the five-month training programme had prepared 74 officers from the two batches to build a skilled, innovative and people-oriented public administration.Transport Commissioner of the Government Transport Directorate, Director General of the National Academy for Planning and Development (NAPD), Director General of the Bangladesh Employees Welfare Board and faculty members of the BCS Administration Academy, among others, attended the programme.