The Ministry of Public Administration has issued a nine-point directive urging government employees to exercise caution when attending public events. The instructions, sent by Principal Secretary Dr Mokhles Ur Rahman to all secretaries, aim to prevent potentially embarrassing situations for government officials in the current political climate.

The directive requires secretaries, department heads and senior officials in field administration to check specific details before attending events. This includes confirming the source of invitations and identifying those involved in organizing the event. Officials are advised to consult with intelligence agencies, if necessary, for a clearer understanding of the context of an event.

Sources in the ministry noted that with elected representatives absent at the highest levels, government employees, especially in field administration, are now handling increased responsibilities. There have been reports of embarrassing incidents at recent events that prompted these new guidelines.

The ministry’s instructions emphasize checking the history of the inviting organization or institution and discouraging attendance at events featuring controversial figures. Officials are advised to be alert to controversial images or symbols on invitation materials, badges, certificates, banners, PowerPoint slides, trophies and logos.

A recent incident illustrating this need for caution took place on October 25 at an event in Jessore attended by Deputy Commissioner Dr Azharul Islam. During the event, a song referencing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was played, causing discomfort. DC detained five people involved in the scheme, releasing them eight hours later after a written undertaking.

The directive also requires government employees to ensure that national days canceled by the current government are not commemorated. Any books, souvenirs or memorabilia related to these canceled days or people should be removed from the offices. Officials are encouraged to prepare written statements for events and avoid slogans outside of authorized statements. In addition, steps should be taken to prevent employees from being misled by rumours.

A senior secretary, speaking anonymously to The Daily Star, said that while the directive is manageable for secretaries, it poses challenges for field administrators such as upazila nirbahi officers and divisional commissioners, who are frequently involved in local events.

A DC in the northern region added that the new directive complicates their duties by requiring additional background checks before attending functions.

The Ministry of Public Administration has instructed all secretaries to formally inform their respective offices to ensure that all government employees are aware of these new guidelines.