Photo : BSS

DHAKA, July 9, 2026 (BSS) - A vibrant and neatly organized event at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center showcased a refreshing approach to official presentations, placing the focus on environmental awareness through thematic banners and festoons rather than photographs of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

A total of 20 banners and festoons featuring various environmental slogans were displayed on the main stage and around the walls of the conference center.

These banners and festoons highlighted messages on how to protect the environment, preserve biodiversity and wildlife, plant trees, and properly care for them. But there was photographs of the Prime Minister who joined the event as the chief guest.

On June 5, following Prime Minister's directive, the Cabinet Division issued a circular prohibiting the use of the premier's photographs. 

The circular stated that the use of the Prime Minister's photograph-whether in 3D or any other format-on banners, festoons, and billboards prepared for government events is completely prohibited. 

It further instructed that such materials should prioritize the subject matter of the event and present only relevant and appropriate information. 

Their design should clearly reflect the event's purpose, message, and content.

The absence of the Prime Minister's photographs drew the attention of many guests at the event. Environmental activist Solaiman Niloy, who came from Savar, said, "This is a very striking development. There is no photograph of the Honorable Prime Minister on any of the banners at today's event."

He added, "Just two days ago, I read a news report saying that the Prime Minister himself had instructed that his photograph should not be used at government events. Today, I see the reflection of that instruction. Previously, there would always be a large photograph of the Prime Minister. Today, there isn't one. It's truly remarkable."

Dhaka University student Afroza Roza said, "In the past, there was a tendency to display huge photographs of the Prime Minister. As a result, the actual event information became difficult to notice, and the main purpose of the event was often overshadowed."

She added, "The current Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman, has taken steps to move away from that culture, and this certainly deserves appreciation."

Prime Minister's Press Secretary AAM Saleh Shibly said this is a reflection of the qualitative change in politics that the premier has spoken about.

Tarique Rahman attended the national event as the chief guest organized by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, marking World Environment Day, the Environment Fair, the National Tree Plantation Campaign, and the Tree Fair 2026.

Members of the Cabinet, Members of Parliament, diplomats, senior government and private-sector officials, and professionals attended the event.