Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed authorities to immediately remove all digital billboards, banners, and advertising displays congratulating him across the capital. The strict instruction was issued on Tuesday (March 3), confirmed by Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Rumon.
According to the press secretary, the Prime Minister expressed immediate displeasure after noticing a banner bearing his image in front of Police Plaza near Hatirjheel while leaving his Gulshan residence in the morning.
“The Prime Minister was visibly annoyed and ordered the banner to be removed immediately. The directive was carried out on the spot,” Atiqur Rahman Rumon said.
The Prime Minister has clearly instructed that no company or individual should use his image on billboards to convey congratulatory messages. A few days earlier, he had also ordered the removal of a congratulatory message displayed on an LED screen in the Bijoy Sarani area.
He has discouraged placing personal praise above the promotion of government work and public service initiatives.
At 9:10 am, the Prime Minister arrived at the Secretariat to begin his official duties. During the day, Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral Ziaul Haque paid a courtesy call on him.
In the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized strengthening security in coastal areas and the Bay of Bengal. He instructed authorities to intensify regular patrols to prevent piracy, human trafficking, and illegal smuggling. He also urged greater efforts to protect fisheries resources and ensure the safety of fishermen, alongside expanding the use of modern technology to safeguard maritime boundaries.
Meanwhile, positive statistics regarding traffic conditions in Dhaka were presented to the Prime Minister. The report noted that the average vehicle speed in the capital has increased from 4.5 km per hour to 5.3 km per hour over the past 14 days. The improvement is attributed to the Prime Minister and other state dignitaries following regular traffic signals instead of using VIP protocol or road closures.
Market conditions were also discussed. After reports surfaced of rising prices of coarse rice, a staple food for low-income communities, the Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Food and relevant authorities to take immediate action.
Officials said that his firm stance has already had a positive impact on retail rice prices, and he has instructed the administration to remain vigilant against any artificial shortages that may cause public suffering.
