PM Tarique pushes discipline at home, vigilance at sea

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday ordered the immediate removal of all banners, billboards and LED displays in Dhaka that carried congratulatory messages featuring his photograph, while also directing the Bangladesh Coast Guard to remain fully prepared to protect the country’s sovereignty.

According to Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman, the Prime Minister issued the directive while travelling to the Secretariat in the morning. Upon noticing a banner displaying his image in front of Police Plaza at Hatirjheel, he instructed authorities to take it down immediately. The order was carried out without delay.

Atikur Rahman Ruman said the Prime Minister further directed officials to remove all similar billboards and advertisements across the capital. He recalled that a few days earlier, while passing through Bijoy Sarani, the Prime Minister had spotted a congratulatory message with his picture on an LED screen and ordered its prompt removal.

After reaching his office around 9:10am, the Prime Minister held a meeting with Bangladesh Coast Guard Director General Rear Admiral Md Ziaul Haque at the Secretariat.

During the meeting, he praised the force’s patriotism and professionalism and urged its members to remain vigilant in safeguarding the country’s maritime boundaries.

The Prime Minister instructed the Coast Guard to intensify patrols in coastal areas and the Bay of Bengal to prevent piracy, robbery and illegal trade, while ensuring the safety of fishermen and protecting marine resources.

He also emphasised the force’s continued role in disaster management and public service initiatives.

The Coast Guard chief briefed the Prime Minister on ongoing development and modernisation efforts.

Expressing satisfaction with the progress, Tarique Rahman assured that the government would continue supporting the force’s advancement.

Meanwhile, a report submitted to the Prime Minister showed modest improvement in Dhaka’s traffic conditions. Average vehicle speed has increased from 4.5 km/h to 5.3 km/h over the past two weeks, attributed to stricter compliance with traffic rules and reduced VIP protocol.

Separately, after being informed of rising coarse rice prices, the Prime Minister instructed relevant authorities to take immediate measures, with initial signs indicating a positive impact on the market.