Bangladesh limits airport protocol for PM’s foreign trips to 4 officials

New order slashes the previous list of over a dozen officials for PM’s departure and return from overseas visits

The government has significantly scaled back the official protocol for the prime minister’s departures and arrivals at the airport, limiting the welcoming and farewell parties to just four representatives.

According to a new directive issued on Thursday, only the most senior member of the cabinet, the chief whip of parliament, the cabinet secretary, and the principal secretary to the prime minister will now be present at the airport.

The order supersedes a previous protocol instruction issued on Aug 28, 2024.

Under the old rules, the prime minister’s international travels involved a lengthy roster of high-ranking officials.

The former list typically included the relevant minister or state minister, the head of the diplomatic corps, the host country’s head of mission, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

It also required the presence of the inspector general of police, the director general of National Security Intelligence (NSI), and secretaries from the Prime Minister’s Office, foreign ministry, and civil aviation ministry.

Several other senior officials could also attend if required.

The new directive removes the long list and shortens the protocol for such occasions.