PM rejects Rajshahi administrator’s road-lighting technology trip to France

Tarique says future innovation-focused initiatives should involve collaboration with BUET and other engineering universities

A proposal for the administrator of Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) to travel to France to learn about energy-efficient street-lighting technology has been rejected by Tarique Rahman.

However, the city corporation’s executive engineer has been cleared for the visit.

RCC Administrator Mahfuzur Rahman and Executive Engineer (Electrical) ABM Asaduzzaman Sweet had sought permission for the trip.

The decision came to light on Monday through directives issued by the premier on a summary of the travel proposal submitted by the local government ministry to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

According to the directive, “If an engineer acquires knowledge on this matter, it will benefit the work of Rajshahi City Corporation. Since the administrator of Rajshahi City Corporation is not an engineer, his participation carries no significance. Only the proposed executive engineer (electrical) may attend the visit if necessary.”

The directive also said future innovation-related initiatives should involve cooperation with BUET and other engineering universities, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly said.

The two officials had sought to visit France at the invitation of Signify Bangladesh Limited to tour the Signify France Outdoor Lighting Application Centre and learn about new electricity-saving street-lighting technologies.

The Local Government Division forwarded the proposal to the PMO for approval.

Recently, Tarique also rejected a proposal for the Chattogram mayor to visit the United States to study mosquito-control methods.