First Secretaries' Meeting in Two Years Focuses on Digital Attendance and Solar Energy

The highest administrative coordination platform, the 'Secretaries' Meeting', convened on Tuesday (September 15) afternoon at the Secretariat under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani. Marking the first such meeting under the BNP-led government seven months into its tenure, the assembly prioritized enforcing 'digital attendance' in government offices, filling vacant posts, and instituting strict measures against irregularity and corruption.

The meeting extensively addressed potential energy crises stemming from international market fluctuations driven by ongoing regional conflicts, including tensions involving Iran. To mitigate the strain on the national economy and power sector, top officials emphasized shifting away from import-dependent fuels toward implementing the 'National Renewable Energy Development Strategy Paper (2026-2030)'. Key strategies include installing solar panels across government infrastructure, incentivizing private sector solar adoption, and scaling up solar power generation.

Furthermore, secretaries were instructed to ensure complete transparency and accountability in priority government initiatives, specifically regarding beneficiary selection and fund allocation for the Family Card and Canal Excavation programs. The last Secretaries' meeting was previously held on September 4, 2024, during the early days of the interim government. 

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior secretary present at the meeting noted, "To prevent severe strain on our national economy and power grid due to global fuel price spikes, we prioritized expanding solar power coverage across public and private installations. Furthermore, directives were issued to ensure absolute transparency in beneficiary selection and expenditure for the Family Card and canal re-excavation projects."

The meeting concluded with instructions to enforce digital check-ins to hold civil servants accountable for their workplace attendance, alongside firm commitments to eliminate corruption across all tiers of public administration.

The previous Secretaries' Meeting was held early during the interim administration on September 4, 2024. Resuming after a long gap, the four-point agenda focused on filling vacant civil service posts, reviewing the 'National Renewable Energy Development Strategy (2026-2030)', and optimizing public service delivery.
//DBTech/DPO/SME/MIST//