Dhaka, Mar 05 (V7N) – The customary large-scale farewell and reception ceremonies for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during his foreign tours are set to change following new government instructions.

According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division on Wednesday (March 4), only a select group of senior officials will now be present at the airport during the Prime Minister’s official and state visits abroad, as well as upon his return.

The list of officials permitted includes:

  • The senior-most Cabinet minister

  • The Chief Whip of the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad

  • The Cabinet Secretary

  • The Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister

This new directive replaces an earlier circular dated August 28, 2024, and is intended to streamline the protocol at the airport.

Relevant departments, including the Prime Minister’s Office, Police Headquarters, Directorate General of Defense Intelligence, Directorate of National Security Intelligence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Parliament Secretariat, have been instructed to implement the changes accordingly.

The decision marks a departure from the previous practice, where long queues of ministers, secretaries, and armed forces officers traditionally gathered to bid farewell or welcome the Prime Minister.

END/SMA/AJ