Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Dr Muhammad Yunus, has urged that government officials should not serve in public office for more than five years. Speaking at the inauguration of the Digital Devices and Innovation Expo 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre on Wednesday, Dr Yunus emphasised that extended tenure can stagnate innovation and creativity within public institutions.
“Officials should not hold positions for more than five years,” he said. “Prolonged service tends to fix the mindset, stifling creativity. Every organisation should be renewed at least once every ten years because, as objectives evolve over time, employees often continue to operate with outdated approaches and perspectives.”
During the event, Dr Yunus also unveiled the Bangladesh Innovation Challenge website and logo, highlighting the government’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and technological innovation. He advised the public to focus less on traditional employment and more on entrepreneurial ventures, warning that “the idea of guaranteed jobs for everyone is flawed; it resembles a modern form of servitude. The government must actively support entrepreneurs to stimulate economic growth and innovation.”
Dr Yunus further drew inspiration from Bangladesh’s historic political movements, stating, “Just as the July movement opened new doors for political possibilities, the Digital Devices and Innovation Expo will unveil new opportunities in the information technology sector. Those inspired by the July movement will one day lead the world.”
The inauguration saw the participation of several dignitaries. Foyez Ahmed Tayyab, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Post, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, delivered a keynote address. The event was presided over by Shish Haider Chowdhury, Secretary of the ICT Division. Welcome remarks were presented by:
| Name | Position | Organisation |
|---|---|---|
| Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan | Managing Director | Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority |
| Mohammad Zahirul Islam | President | Bangladesh Computer Society |
Following the formal proceedings, Dr Yunus toured various exhibition stalls, observing technological innovations and digital devices showcased by startups, private enterprises, and academic institutions. He reiterated the need for a shift from conventional employment models toward a more entrepreneurial and technology-driven economy, emphasising that young innovators are key to positioning Bangladesh on the global stage.
The Chief Adviser’s remarks underscore a growing recognition in Bangladesh that institutional renewal and the promotion of entrepreneurship are vital for sustained national development. Limiting tenure, he suggested, would prevent bureaucratic stagnation and encourage a culture of creativity and innovation across public service.