Cabinet Division issues new guidelines for advisers’ travel protocol

The Cabinet Division has issued new directives regarding protocol for domestic and foreign travels of the advisers of the interim government.

In addition to issuing the new policy on Tuesday, the division has cancelled the April 2018 directives related to the protocol for the travel of ministers, state ministers, and deputy ministers.

As per the new directive, an additional secretary or joint secretary from the relevant ministry or department will be present at the airport to welcome and see off advisers on foreign trips.

For domestic travel, the adviser’s private secretary will be present at the point of departure and return in Dhaka. Additionally, the deputy commissioner, superintendent of police, and senior officials from the ministry or department concerned will, where possible, be present to welcome and bid farewell to the adviser in the district being visited.

However, the deputy commissioner or superintendent of police is not required to alter or cancel official duties to attend the district visit. In such cases, a senior additional deputy commissioner or additional superintendent of police will handle the welcome and farewell duties.

The new guidelines state that deputy commissioners and key police officials are no longer required to be present at airports or railway stations during advisers’ arrivals and departures, except when necessary.

This also applies to transit points, where a representative can be sent instead. Divisional commissioners and deputy inspectors general of police are also exempt from attending, though they may offer a courtesy call if available.

The directives further state that after receiving the advisers’ itineraries, the superintendent of police of the relevant district will take necessary security measures. Additionally, if advisers are travelling by rail within the country, the railway police superintendent must promptly inform all police stations or outposts along the route upon receiving the itinerary.

The guidelines emphasise that itineraries should be sent to the relevant officials in a timely manner. Any changes to an itinerary must also be communicated promptly to all parties concerned.

Whether the tour is official or private, the adviser’s office should inform the relevant officials during itinerary preparation. Transport and accommodation will be provided for official visits. For private tours, if transport and accommodation are arranged, standard service charges will apply.