Officials should not serve long-term; change is needed after five years: Chief Advisor

Renowned social entrepreneur and Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor, Dr Muhammad Yunus, has advocated for a maximum tenure of five years for government officials. Speaking at the Digital Devices and Innovation Expo 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre on Wednesday, he stressed that extended service in a single role can stifle creativity and lead to a rigid mindset.

“Government officials should not serve in the same position for more than five years. Prolonged tenure entrenches thinking patterns and hampers innovation. Every institution should be revitalised at least every ten years, as goals evolve over time, but individuals often continue operating with outdated perspectives,” Dr Yunus stated.

During the event, he also unveiled the official website and logo of the Bangladesh Innovation Challenge, underlining the importance of fostering entrepreneurial initiatives. He encouraged young professionals to look beyond secure jobs and pursue entrepreneurship, saying, “The notion that jobs must be guaranteed for everyone is flawed; it belongs to a form of modern servitude. The government must support citizens in becoming entrepreneurs and innovators.”

Dr Yunus further drew a historical parallel, highlighting the legacy of the July Movement in Bangladesh. “Just as the July Movement opened doors to new possibilities in our political landscape, the Digital Devices and Innovation Expo will unlock opportunities in the information technology sector. The participants of the July Movement will one day lead the world,” he remarked.

The event featured special remarks by Foyez Ahmed Tayyab, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology. The proceedings were presided over by Shish Haider Chowdhury, Secretary of the ICT Division, while Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan, Managing Director of the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, and Mohammad Zahirul Islam, President of the Bangladesh Computer Society, delivered the welcome addresses.

Following the formal sessions, Dr Yunus toured various exhibition stalls showcasing cutting-edge digital devices, innovative startup projects, and emerging technologies developed by young entrepreneurs across Bangladesh.

The key points of the event are summarised in the table below:

The Chief Advisor’s remarks highlight the government’s commitment to nurturing a culture of innovation, emphasizing that periodic renewal of leadership and support for entrepreneurs is crucial for the country’s long-term socio-economic growth.