'Honourable' dropped, PM begins implementing rule from own office

A day after the government decided not to use "Honourable" or any other honorific before the word Prime Minister, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has begun implementing it from his own office. He is also giving digital attendance in line with official rules.

The Cabinet Division said the process of dropping "Honourable" before his title in all files, documents and official activities of the Prime Minister's Office began on Thursday morning, September 10.

The Prime Minister worked at the Secretariat in the morning. A responsible source at the Prime Minister's Office said he gave digital attendance before entering the office.

Earlier, on Wednesday, September 9, a Cabinet Division circular stated that "His Excellency," "Honourable" or any other honorific must not be used in written form before the titles of the President, Prime Minister, ministers, state ministers and deputy ministers in official communications, documents and summaries.

A senior Cabinet Division official said the directive from the highest level of government has not been confined to paper, with the Prime Minister beginning its implementation in his own office. Instructions have been given to use only "Prime Minister" instead of "Honourable Prime Minister" in files and other official documents presented to him.

The official said the decision to drop "Honourable" is part of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's series of positive initiatives. Through this, the Prime Minister is conveying the message of prioritising responsibility, public service and accountability to the country and its people over formal honorifics of rank.

The Prime Minister is also setting a precedent by introducing attendance rules for official discipline. Like other officials and employees, he is regularly giving online attendance upon entering the office. He also signs out through the prescribed method at the end of the day's work.

By applying official rules to himself as head of government, the Prime Minister wants to convey the message to officials and employees of the administration to follow the rules.