Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has issued a strict directive to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam to ensure that public movement is not disrupted during his travel.
The IGP confirmed the matter to Jago News on Wednesday, February 18, saying the prime minister clearly instructed that the general public must not suffer because of VVIP movement.
“He has strictly directed that the traffic system remain normal. The public should not face inconvenience for their movement,” Baharul Alam said.
According to the IGP, some roads were closed earlier in the day due to the prime minister’s movement. “He has instructed us to ensure that such disruptions do not happen in the future,” he added.
Wednesday marked the first working day of the new government. Heightened activity by traffic police was seen across Dhaka, with officers stationed at key intersections exercising extra caution.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was sworn in on Tuesday, February 17. On Wednesday, he paid tribute to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War at the National Martyrs Memorial in Savar. He also visited the graves of his father, late President Ziaur Rahman, and his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, at Zia Udyan in the capital.
Road closures during VVIP movement have long been a source of public frustration in the capital, often causing significant traffic congestion and commuter hardship. The prime minister’s latest directive signals a shift toward minimising such disruptions.