She said the situation can be changed through quality training.

The prime minister made the observations while inaugurating an international training complex and the 32nd foundation training course of Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre (BPATC) here yesterday.

Addressing the civil servants, the prime minister said BPATC was no more a dumping ground and mentioned that she had given particular responsibility to her principal secretary to assemble talented and skilled personnel at the centre for providing high-quality training.

Referring to reforms made by her government Khaleda said, "We have laid stress on a knowledge-based administration."

"From now on arrangement will be made for civil servants to receive proper training at the very beginning of their service," she told the function.

Addressing the recruits joining the foundation training course, Khaleda reminded that their recruitment test was not the last. "You will have to face tests to prove your talent, skill and ability regularly," she said urging them to acquire knowledge through reading and attain skill.

"You have to perform your responsibility with sincerity, dedication and honesty," she said pointing out that the nation will fall behind if they fail to catch up with the present competitive world.

She mentioned her government's programmes and steps to improve standard of education and the rate of literacy in the country.

Chaired by Rector of BPATC Ahbab Ahmad, the function was also addressed by Finance and Planning Minister M Saifur Rahman, Agriculture Minister MK Anwar, Education Minister M Osman Farruk and Secretary in charge of the Ministry of Establishment Safar Raj Hossain. Members of parliament, diplomats and a large number of civil servants attended the function.