The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) organised a panel discussion titled, "Public Service: Its Joys and Challenges," at the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre at Bashundhara in the capital. The seminar brought together representatives from government, civil society, academia and the private sector to discuss the importance of public service on the life and development of the nation, and the challenges and opportunities of that role, said a press release.

Dilshad Dossani, chairperson of the Aga Khan Foundation (Bangladesh)'s National Committee, remarked that "The Aga Khan Foundation has an interest in the notion of public service as defined in its broadest sense of 'a service rendered in the public interest for the benefit of others'."

Dossani further stated that "this definition is not limited to those who work in government services, but encompasses all individuals, civil society and organizations that work for the benefit of the people of Bangladesh." M Syeduzzaman, former finance minister, recounted his personal journey as a public servant in his keynote address. "Everything a public servant should be, Syeduzzaman has been," remarked Dr Gowher Rizvi, international affairs advisor to the prime minister. A panel discussion was held featuring Dr Rizvi, M  Syeduzzaman and economist Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman.

 In his introductory remarks, Rizvi said that while the phrase 'public servant' or 'bureaucrat' often has negative connotations associated with it, it is important to recognize that "public servants have solved some of the most fundamental problems in our lives.