Prime Minister’s Vehicle Displays National Flag for First Time
Dhaka, Bangladesh – March 26 – In a notable shift in protocol, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s official vehicle was observed bearing the national flag for the first time since his assumption of office. This symbolic change coincided with his early morning visit to the National Memorial in Savar on Thursday, an occasion marked to honour the nation’s martyrs on Independence and National Day.
Since taking the helm on February 17, Prime Minister Rahman had consistently utilized a personal white vehicle, which notably lacked any national or prime ministerial insignia. However, the recent observance saw him travel in the designated official car, proudly displaying both the national flag and the Prime Minister’s flag, according to Atikur Rahman Rumon, his Additional Press Secretary.
The Prime Minister departed from his Gulshan residence in the early hours of the morning, arriving at the National Memorial precisely at 5:53 AM. Rumon further elaborated that the Prime Minister opted for a significantly reduced protocol during this solemn visit.
Upon his arrival at the memorial, Prime Minister Rahman was greeted by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan.
In a deliberate move towards efficiency and resource conservation, members of the Cabinet, the chiefs of the three armed services, and other senior officials travelled collectively to Savar by bus. This contrasts with the typical practice where an estimated 4,500 litres of fuel are usually allocated for transporting VVIPs and VIPs at such state functions. “Considering fuel savings, limited protocol, and fewer vehicles were used this time, and the VIPs travelled by bus,” Rumon explained, highlighting the government’s commitment to prudent resource management.
The day’s commemorations began with President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman jointly paying their respects to the martyrs of the Liberation War by laying wreaths at the memorial at 5:56 AM. Following this poignant act, both leaders observed a moment of silence, a profound gesture of respect. This was accompanied by a state salute rendered by a contingent of the Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force, with bugles playing “The Last Post.”
The solemn ceremony was attended by a distinguished gathering, including the Chief Justice, members of the Cabinet, the chiefs of the three services, war-wounded freedom fighters, families of martyrs, diplomats, and senior civil and military officials.
Subsequently, the Prime Minister, accompanied by members of his Cabinet, placed an additional wreath at the memorial. In his capacity as Chairperson of the BNP, he also paid his respects alongside senior party leaders.
The Prime Minister engaged in exchanges of greetings with war-wounded freedom fighters, the families of martyrs, and other distinguished guests present at the memorial. He also took the opportunity to sign the visitors’ book, leaving a personal mark on this significant occasion.
Later in the day, Prime Minister Rahman proceeded to Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Here, he paid tribute at the graves of former President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, laying wreaths in their honour. He performed this act first in his official capacity as Prime Minister, accompanied by Cabinet members, and later as the BNP Chairperson, with fellow party leaders.
Following these official duties, the Prime Minister returned to his residence in Gulshan, concluding a day marked by national remembrance and a subtle yet significant evolution in official protocol.
