Khaleda asks authorities to cut down on expenses

Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has asked the authorities to avoid unnecessary expenses during her official tours outside Dhaka.

An official circular issued Sunday asked the local administrations not to arrange any lunch or dinner for the prime minister during her tour of district headquarters without the prior sanction of her office.

"If it is required, the administration concerned will be informed in advance, and the food will be very simple," the circular said.

As part of her official job, the prime minister has to visit district headquarters and other remote areas and, accordingly, a set of directives were issued on April 20, advising the local administrations and other local organisations to exercise austerity, it added.

The circular expressed indignation over non-compliance of the directives and asked all to follow these from now on.

It also asked the authorities concerned not to disrupt routine academic activities at educational institutions by assembling students to receive the prime minister during her tour.

The order called for a minimum but necessary use of transport. Divisional and district level officials who have nothing to do with the programme have been asked not to attend the prime minister's reception or functions organised when she leaves.

Their transport should not be included in the motorcade.