PM begins implementing ‘Honourable-free' official protocol

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has started implementing the government’s decision to drop "Honourable" and other honorifics before his title in official communications and documents from his own office.

The Prime Minister’s Office began the process on Thursday of removing the word "Honourable" from files, documents and other official communications relating to the Prime Minister, a Cabinet Division official said, wishing to remain anonymous.

The Cabinet Division issued a circular on Wednesday directing that no honorific such as "Honourable", "His Excellency" or any other form of respectful address be used before the titles of the President, Prime Minister, ministers, state ministers and deputy ministers in official communications, documents and summaries.

Officials concerned said the Prime Minister has started implementing the directive in his own office instead of leaving it confined to the circular.

They said officials have been instructed to use only "Prime Minister" instead of "Honourable Prime Minister" in files and other official documents submitted to Tarique Rahman.

They also said the decision to drop the honorific reflects the Prime Minister’s approach of giving greater importance to public service and accountability than to formal descriptions of office.

The officials said the Prime Minister is also setting an example by following office procedures.

He regularly uses the online attendance system like other officials and employees when entering his office.

Tarique Rahman also records his departure through the prescribed system when leaving the office at the end of the day, the officials said.

They said the practice is intended to send a message to government officials and employees that administrative rules should apply equally, regardless of rank.

Since taking office, Tarique Rahman has taken several steps to reduce excessive protocol and personal prominence in state affairs.

These include not using his photograph in government activities and publicity, reducing the number of vehicles in his motorcade, and not stopping traffic signals for ordinary people during his movement.

The Prime Minister also does not use a flag-bearing vehicle in the country or abroad except for state occasions and official programmes where such protocol is required.