Tarique Rahman orders removal of congratulatory billboards across Dhaka

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the authorities to immediately remove advertisements and banners displayed on billboards across the capital congratulating him.

Additional Press Secretary to the prime minister, Atikur Rahman Ruman, said the instruction was issued this morning.

“On Tuesday morning, while leaving his residence in Gulshan, the prime minister noticed a banner bearing his photograph in front of Police Plaza at Hatirjheel. He instructed that it be removed immediately, and it was taken down at once,” Ruman said.

He told The Daily Star that several companies had displayed congratulatory advertisements featuring the prime minister’s image on billboards in different parts of the city.

“The prime minister has asked the concerned authorities to remove those as quickly as possible. A few days ago, while travelling through Bijoy Sarani, he saw a congratulatory message with his photograph on an LED screen and ordered its removal at that time,” Ruman added.

The prime minister attended office at the Secretariat today, arriving at 9:15am.

Meanwhile, after reports of a rise in the retail price of coarse rice, he directed the relevant ministry and authorities to take prompt action.

Ruman said the matter came to the prime minister’s attention on Monday.

“Coarse rice is consumed largely by marginal and low-income people. Upon learning of the price increase, the prime minister asked the concerned authorities to take immediate measures. An instant positive impact has been observed in the market,” he claimed.

Separately, a report on traffic congestion and vehicle speed in Dhaka was presented to the prime minister today.

According to the additional press secretary, the report noted that traffic movement has improved as the prime minister and other high-ranking state officials have been travelling without special VIP protocol.

“The report added that the absence of VVIP protocol, which often disrupts traffic flow, has contributed to increased vehicle speed,” Ruman said.

He said that previously the average vehicle speed in the capital was 4.5 kilometres per hour, roughly equivalent to walking pace.

“Since assuming office, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has reduced VVIP protocol and has been following traffic signals. Based on statistics from the past 14 days, average vehicle speed has increased to 5.3 kilometres per hour as traffic is no longer being halted for VVIP movement. Following the prime minister, the president, ministers and state ministers are also adhering to traffic signals,” he added.

Ruman said the prime minister has reviewed the report.