Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul stated that Bangladeshi bureaucrats are inherently resistant to reform, though he was unsure whether this stems from individual shortcomings or systemic flaws. He made the remarks on Monday night at the World Literature Centre in Dhaka while speaking as a special guest at the launch of Dr. Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan’s book ‘Bangladesher Samaj O Rajniti’ (Society and Politics of Bangladesh).

Nazrul described the current bureaucracy as stagnant and questioned how the country could progress under such a system. He expressed concern that inefficiency and reluctance to adopt modern tools, such as WhatsApp for official communication, hinder timely decision-making. He contrasted this with the chief adviser’s efficient use of digital communication for office work.

He further noted that despite his personal efforts to finalize tasks overnight, bureaucratic delays often prevent implementation. Nazrul said he frequently has to remind officers that they are not clerks but professionals who must apply intellect and initiative in their duties.