Govt bans use of PM’s image on official banners, billboards

The government has prohibited the use of the Prime Minister's image, including in 3D or any other format, on banners, festoons and billboards prepared for government programmes.

The directive was issued through a circular by the General Branch of the Cabinet Division on Sunday.

According to the circular, banners, festoons and billboards should prioritise presenting essential and relevant information about the programme in a balanced manner.

It also instructed that all publicity materials be designed to clearly reflect the programme's objectives, message and subject matter.

The directive takes immediate effect, the circular said.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman noticed banners and festoons bearing his photograph while travelling from his Gulshan residence to the Secretariat for a programme organised by a ministry.

After reaching his office at the Secretariat, the Prime Minister summoned the Cabinet Secretary and directed him to issue the order banning the use of his image on official publicity materials.