The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has officially signed the Annual Performance Agreement (APA) for the 2022-23 fiscal year with seven of its subsidiary organisations. This strategic initiative aims to propel the government’s developmental trajectory by fostering a more transparent, efficient, and results-driven administrative framework. The agreement serves as a cornerstone for ensuring that the various arms of the PMO operate with the necessary dynamism required to meet national milestones.
The formal signing ceremony took place at the PMO headquarters in Tejgaon, Dhaka. Dr Ahmad Kaikaus, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Zuena Aziz, the Principal Coordinator on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Affairs, attended as a special guest. The proceedings were chaired by Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah, the Senior Secretary of the PMO, and were attended by various high-ranking officials, including directors-general and the heads of the respective subordinate offices.
A Framework for Accountability and Efficacy
The APA is far more than a bureaucratic formality; it is a result-based work plan designed to enhance the efficiency and accountability of public servants. By setting clear, measurable targets, the agreement ensures that every organisation within the PMO’s orbit is aligned with the broader national vision. During the event, a comparative review was conducted, assessing the achievements of the previous fiscal year against the ambitious targets set for the upcoming period.
Dr Kaikaus emphasised that the APA framework should increasingly incorporate a system of rewards and punishments to incentivise excellence and discourage complacency. Concurrently, Senior Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah underscored the necessity for regular and rigorous monitoring to ensure that the objectives do not merely remain on paper but translate into tangible progress for the citizenry.
Key Signatories and Their Mandates
The seven organisations involved in this year’s agreement represent the pillars of Bangladesh’s economic and social development. These bodies are responsible for everything from attracting foreign direct investment to providing housing for the landless.
| Organisation | Focus Area | Primary Objective for 2022-23 |
| BIDA | Investment Promotion | Enhancing the ease of doing business and attracting FDI. |
| BEZA | Economic Zones | Developing specialised zones to boost industrialisation. |
| BEPZA | Export Processing | Managing zones dedicated to export-oriented industries. |
| PPPA | Public-Private Partnerships | Facilitating private sector involvement in infrastructure. |
| NSDA | Skill Development | Upgrading the national workforce to meet global standards. |
| NGO Affairs Bureau | Civil Society Regulation | Streamlining NGO activities for social welfare. |
| Ashrayan-2 Project | Social Housing | Providing semi-permanent homes for the landless and homeless. |
Driving the National Agenda
By centralising these performance metrics under the PMO, the government ensures that high-priority projects—such as the Ashrayan-2 initiative, which is a flagship project for social inclusion—receive the administrative support and oversight they require. Similarly, the focus on NSDA and BIDA highlights the government’s commitment to transitioning towards a more skilled, investment-friendly economy.
The signing of these agreements marks a pivotal step in the “Digital Bangladesh” and “Vision 2041” agendas, ensuring that the civil service remains a dynamic force capable of navigating the complexities of modern governance.