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Published : 03 Mar 2026, 01:13 PM
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has ordered the removal of banners and billboards across Dhaka displaying congratulatory messages featuring his photograph.
Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Ruman said the directive was issued on Tuesday.
According to him, the prime minister noticed a banner bearing his photo in front of Police Plaza at Hatirjheel while leaving his residence in Gulshan on Tuesday morning and immediately instructed officials to take it down.
“It was removed right away,” Ruman said.
He added that the premier also directed authorities to remove similar billboards across the capital where various companies had displayed congratulatory advertisements carrying his image.
A few days earlier, while travelling through Bijoy Sarani, the prime minister had seen his photo being displayed on an LED screen with congratulatory messages and ordered its removal on the spot, the press aide said.
The prime minister arrived at the Secretariat at 9:10am on Tuesday to attend office.
Among his engagements, Coast Guard Director-General Rear Admiral Ziaul Haque met him during the day.
Ruman said the prime minister instructed the Coast Guard to intensify patrols in coastal areas and the Bay of Bengal to curb piracy, robbery and smuggling, protect fisheries resources, and ensure the safety of fishermen.
Vehicle Speeds Increase As Traffic Signals Followed
Citing a report submitted to the prime minister, Ruman said vehicle speeds in the capital had increased as traffic signals were being followed and VIP protocol movements reduced.
According to the report, the average vehicle speed in Dhaka previously stood at 4.5 kmph. Data from the past 14 days indicate that the average speed has risen to 5.3 kmph as traffic is no longer halted for VVIP movements.
The report attributed the change to the prime minister reducing VVIP protocol and complying with traffic signals. It added that the president, ministers and state ministers are also following traffic rules.
Action Sought Over Coarse Rice Price Hike
The prime minister also directed authorities to take immediate steps after reports of rising prices of coarse rice, a staple food for lower-income groups.
Ruman said that after the matter came to the prime minister’s attention, he instructed the relevant ministries to act promptly.
“It has been observed that there was an immediate positive impact on the market,” the additional press secretary said.
