B Mirror Report: The Cabinet Division has issued updated instructions to further streamline state protocol for the travel of ministers, state ministers, and deputy ministers at home and abroad.
Although the directives were issued on April 16, they were made public on Monday (April 20).
According to the new guidelines, an additional secretary or joint secretary from the relevant ministry or division will be present at the airport during foreign travel and upon return. For domestic travel, the personal secretary of the minister, state minister, or deputy minister will be present at departure from and arrival in Dhaka, as per their preference.
During district-level visits, the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Superintendent of Police (SP), and senior officials of relevant departments will, as far as possible, be present to receive and see off the dignitaries. However, their own official schedules will not need to be cancelled or altered for this purpose. If necessary, an additional DC or additional SP may carry out the duty. The DC or SP will only adjust their schedule if specifically requested by the minister or state minister.
At the upazila level, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), an Assistant Superintendent of Police, and senior officials of relevant departments will be present, while the presence of the DC or SP will not be mandatory.
The directive also states that the presence of DCs at airports or railway stations in Dhaka, Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, and Jashore will not be required unless necessary. A similar rule applies to SPs and metropolitan police commissioners in Jashore and Cox’s Bazar.
If a district airport or railway station is used as a transit point, representatives of the respective district administration will be present. Divisional commissioners may also meet visiting dignitaries if they are available at their headquarters.
Special emphasis has been placed on security arrangements. Upon receiving the travel schedule, the concerned SP will ensure necessary security measures. In case of rail travel, all stations along the route will be informed and police personnel will be deployed at designated stations.
The guidelines further instruct that travel schedules must be communicated in a timely manner and any changes must be promptly notified. Government expenses will cover transport and accommodation during official visits, while costs incurred during personal arrangements will have to be borne in accordance with existing rules.
Even if staying at private residences instead of circuit houses or government rest houses, state protocol and security will remain applicable, with local authorities ensuring protection.
The new instructions replace earlier guidelines issued on August 27, 2024.
