The relaxation of the Prime Minister’s VVIP protocol has led to a noticeable improvement in traffic conditions across the capital, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said on Wednesday.
Speaking at a press briefing at the ministry’s conference room in Bangladesh Secretariat, Zahir Uddin Swapan said the convoy of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been significantly shortened, curbing excessive formalities during public movements and airport receptions.
“The Prime Minister’s simple and streamlined travel arrangements have played a key role in easing daily commuting for the public,” the minister said.
Under the new arrangement, only one senior minister, the Chief Whip, the Cabinet Secretary, and the Principal Secretary accompany the Prime Minister during arrivals and departures.
Minister Swapan noted that these changes have also encouraged citizens to follow traffic rules more diligently, while reducing congestion in critical areas.
Referring to parliamentary reforms, he added that special privileges for MPs, including duty-free cars and government plots, have been abolished to restore public trust.
“We hope lawmakers from all parties will support this people-focused initiative,” he said.
On administrative reforms, the minister highlighted that the Prime Minister now attends office regularly, even on Saturdays, fostering a new work ethic across the government.
Cabinet ministers, state ministers, and officials at all levels are now required to report to work by 9am, Zahir Uddin Swapan said, emphasising that these measures will reduce state expenditure while strengthening public confidence in governance.
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