Banners and festoons at Thursday's official inauguration of the World Environment Day programme and National Tree Fair carried no photograph of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, reflecting the government's new directive banning the use of his image at official events.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change organized the programme at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, where the prime minister inaugurated the World Environment Day, Environment Fair 2026 and the National Tree Plantation Campaign and National Tree Fair 2026.
Instead of photographs of the prime minister, around 20 banners and festoons displayed messages on environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, tree plantation and the proper care of trees.
Many visitors said the absence of the prime minister's photograph immediately caught their attention.
"It is really something that catches the eye. There is no photograph of the prime minister on any of today's banners or festoons," said environmental activist Sulaiman Niloy, who attended the programme from Savar.
"I read in the newspapers a few days ago that the prime minister instructed officials not to use his photograph at government events. Today I can see that directive being implemented. In the past, the prime minister's photograph used to dominate such banners," he added.
On July 5, the Cabinet Division issued a circular following the prime minister's directive, prohibiting the use of his photograph – whether in 3D or any other form – on banners, festoons and billboards prepared for official government programmes.
The circular instructed authorities to give priority to the theme and purpose of an event while preparing publicity materials so that the message and objectives are clearly reflected.
Dhaka University student Sanjida Khatun welcomed the move.
"In the past, the prime minister's photograph was often so prominent that the actual purpose of the programme became less visible," she said.
"Now the focus has shifted to the event itself. I think this is a positive change and deserves appreciation," Sanjida added.
Cabinet members, lawmakers, diplomats, senior government officials, representatives of private organizations and professionals attended the programme.