Special directives issued for ministers, sate ministers' domestic and foreign travels

Ministers, state ministers and deputy ministers will have to pay for government services if they avail them during private visits, the Cabinet Division has said in a recent directive, which was published on Monday, April 20.

The directive, signed by Cabinet Division Secretary Nasimul Gani, states that it must be clearly mentioned in the tour schedule letter whether a visit is official or private. The government will bear the cost of vehicles and accommodation for official visits. However, if these facilities are availed during private visits, the concerned individual must pay the expenses.

The directive also states that an additional secretary or joint secretary of the concerned ministry or division will be present at the airport during the arrival and departure of ministers and state ministers for foreign tours. For domestic tours, the private secretary will be present upon arrival and departure in Dhaka.

During district-level visits, the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police and senior officials of the concerned department will receive and see off the minister as needed. However, the Deputy Commissioner or SP may delegate this responsibility to an Additional Deputy Commissioner or Additional SP if necessary.

For upazila-level visits, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police and senior officials of the concerned department will perform these duties. The presence of the Deputy Commissioner or SP is not mandatory unless necessary.

Additionally, the presence of the Deputy Commissioner or SP is not mandatory upon arrival and departure at airports or railway stations unless required. For transit travel, a representative of the concerned district's administration will be present.

The directive further states that the Superintendent of Police will arrange necessary security measures immediately upon receiving the tour schedule. For railway travel, the Railway Police will inform the concerned stations in advance and ensure the presence of police officers at important stations.

The tour schedule must be sent to concerned officials in a timely manner, and any changes must be communicated quickly, the directive added.

Even if staying outside circuit houses or government rest houses according to security rules, the relevant regulations will apply.

This new directive supersedes the previous directive issued on August 27, 2024.