Capacity Building of Mid-Level Civil Servants through Advanced Course on Administration and Development at Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre: Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

Capacity building of mid-level civil servants is a crucial component of enhancing public sector efficiency and ensuring effective governance in Bangladesh. The Advanced Course on Administration and Development (ACAD) offered at Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre (BPATC) plays a significant role in equipping officers with essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for leadership, policy formulation, and service delivery. This study evaluates the effectiveness of ACAD in strengthening the competencies of mid-level government officials while identifying challenges and future prospects. Data were collected from both primary sources, including Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with officials who directly participated in or facilitated the course. Findings suggest that ACAD contributes positively to improving analytical capacity, leadership skills, and decision-making abilities among officers. However, challenges such as limited technological integration, resource constraints, curriculum modernization needs, and variations in participant engagement remain significant barriers. The study also highlights the necessity of aligning training contents with global best practices, introducing advanced ICT-based modules, and strengthening follow-up mechanisms to measure post-training performance. Overall, the research emphasizes that ACAD at BPATC holds strong potential for transforming mid-level civil servants into more capable leaders if strategic reforms and sustained investment in training programs are ensured.