PM Image Ban
Bangladesh government bans Prime Minister's image from official program promotions immediately
Anonymous
Key Points
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The circular explicitly bans the Prime Minister’s image on banners, festoons and billboards in any 3D format or other visual presentations for government programmes.
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The directive extends beyond ministries and divisions to cover departments, directorates, autonomous bodies and field-level offices.
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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s image being used on promotional material prompted the directive, with Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu saying the PM instructed the Cabinet Secretary to stop using his photo in publicity materials.
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The circular emphasizes prioritizing the event’s subject matter and message, with designs reflecting the event’s purpose and theme and containing only necessary information.
Bangladesh's government has banned the use of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's image on banners, festoons, and billboards for official events, effective immediately. Daily Country Today reported that the Cabinet Division issued a formal circular directing all government offices to stop featuring the PM's photo in any promotional material.
The move came after Rahman's image began appearing on official event promotions. Deputy Press Secretary Hasan Shiplu confirmed that the PM himself instructed the Cabinet Secretary to end the practice, according to The Report.
What the Circular Actually Says
The circular, signed by Deputy Secretary Tania Afroz, bans the PM's image in all formats — including 3D displays and any other visual presentations. Daily New Nation reported that the directive covers not just ministries and divisions, but also departments, directorates, autonomous bodies, and field-level offices across the country.
Promotional materials must now focus on the event itself. Designs should reflect the event's subject, purpose, and theme. Only information directly relevant to the programme should appear. The circular describes the measures as "highly important" and requires immediate compliance from all government channels.
PM Ordered His Own Photo Removed
The directive is unusual in that it was triggered by the prime minister himself. Hasan Shiplu said Rahman noticed his image on official event materials and personally told the Cabinet Secretary to stop the practice. The Report noted that the instruction came directly from the top, rather than from a bureaucratic review.
The ban reflects a deliberate push away from personality-driven publicity. Officials want government programmes to be recognized by their message — not by the face of a leader. That kind of image-first culture has been common across South Asian governments for decades.
No More Personality-Centric Government Branding
Daily Tribune 24 reported that the circular explicitly rules out any image of the PM — in 2D, 3D, or any other form — on any government activity display. The language is broad and appears designed to close loopholes that might allow symbolic or artistic representations of the prime minister.
Going forward, banners and billboards for official events must center on the programme's goals and key messages. The government has not announced penalties for non-compliance, but the circular is described as binding on all levels of the administration, from top ministries down to local field offices.
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