Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday directed authorities to immediately remove all advertisements, billboards, and banners in Dhaka that carried congratulatory messages with his picture.
The instruction came during his morning commute to the Secretariat, said his Additional Press Secretary, Atikur Rahman Rumon.
“On his way to the office, the Prime Minister noticed a banner in front of Police Plaza at Hatirjheel displaying his image. He ordered its immediate removal, which was carried out without delay,” Rumon said.
The Prime Minister also instructed officials to ensure that all similar billboards and displays across the capital were taken down swiftly.
“A few days earlier, he had noticed an LED screen along Bijoy Sarani showing a congratulatory message and had ordered its removal immediately” said Rumon.
After reaching the Secretariat at around 9:10am, the Prime Minister held a meeting with Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral Md Ziaul Haque. Rumon said he emphasised continued vigilance along coastal and Bay of Bengal areas to curb piracy, robbery, and illegal trade, while ensuring the safety of fishermen and local communities.
Traffic management improvements
Rumon said the Prime Minister also reviewed a report on traffic congestion and vehicle speeds in Dhaka. The report showed that vehicle movement had improved as top officials, including the Prime Minister, were now adhering to traffic rules and avoiding the VIP protocol.
“Previously, the average vehicle speed in the capital was 4.5 km/h, roughly walking pace. Over the past two weeks, as officials follow traffic rules, speeds have increased to 5.3 km/h,” Rumon said.
Rice price monitoring
Tarique Rahman has also taken action to address rising coarse rice prices, a staple for low-income households.
According to Rumon, the Prime Minister instructed relevant ministries to intervene promptly on Monday. “Immediate measures have already started showing positive effects in the market,” he said.
