Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan today spoke at a press briefing held at the ministry meeting room at the Secretariat. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Mar 25, 2026 (BSS)- Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has said the VVIP protocol convoy of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has been significantly reduced, bringing an unprecedented and positive change to traffic management in the city.

 “The Prime Minister’s very simple movement has played an important role in easing public suffering in daily commuting,” he told journalists at a press briefing.

The briefing was held at the Information and Broadcasting Ministry’s conference room at Bangladesh Secretariat here today.

The large protocol convoy of Prime Minister has now been made very short. Longstanding practices of excessive arrangements and strict formalities during airport receptions and farewells have also been curtailed, he said.

Under the new decision, only one senior minister, the Chief Whip, the Cabinet Secretary and the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister will be present at the airport during such occasions. 

As a result of the changes people are now more encouraged to follow the traffic rules than before, he added.

Referring to the decision to abolish special privileges for Members of Parliament, the minister said, “We will never again take duty-free cars, nor will we accept any government plots. These special facilities for MPs have been scrapped to restore public trust.”

He expressed hope that MPs from other parties, too, would support this positive and people-oriented initiative.

On administrative reforms, the minister said the Prime Minister himself is regularly attending office even on Saturdays. His dedication has created a new work environment across the administration, Swapan said. 

At present, it has been made mandatory for cabinet ministers, state ministers and officials at all levels to be present in office by 9 am, he noted.

The minister further said these reforms would reduce state expenditure and help restore public confidence.