Advisers, secretaries flouting foreign travel rules

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  Travel and Leisure on Thu, Oct 23rd, 2025 by The Daily Star

Bangladesh’s “Foreign Travel Rules” Under Fire as High‑Rank Officials Flout Restrictions

The ruling government’s new foreign‑travel guidelines, introduced in early 2023 to curb unchecked overseas trips by civil servants, have now come under intense scrutiny after a series of high‑profile violations by advisers, secretaries and other senior officials. A recent investigation by The Daily Star revealed that several top administrators have been traveling abroad without following the official approval process, sparking accusations of hypocrisy, potential abuse of public funds, and a looming crisis of accountability.

The Rules in Brief

The Foreign Travel Rules, officially announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), stipulate that any public servant above the rank of secretary must obtain a written approval from the relevant ministry before leaving the country. The guidelines further outline that travel is permitted only for “official business” or “national interest” purposes, and that all trips must be documented in the Ministry of Finance’s Travel Permit System. The rules also include a prohibition on “non‑essential” travel, such as private vacations or leisure trips, even if the official claims they are accompanying a delegation.

A link embedded in the Daily Star article directs readers to the MFA’s own website (https://www.mfa.gov.bd). The page there details the full procedure: applicants must submit a travel request form, attach supporting documents (such as an itinerary, invitation letters, and budget justification), and receive a formal approval letter before departure. The MFA also warns that violations could result in disciplinary action, including suspension, dismissal, or even criminal prosecution under the Public Service Act.

High‑Profile Breaches

The Daily Star report identifies at least three prominent cases:

1. Senior Adviser to the Prime Minister
   The adviser flew to New York for a private conference on sustainable finance, a trip that reportedly cost more than $12,000 in airfare and hotel expenses. According to the investigation, no official approval was obtained. The adviser later claimed that the trip was “essential for policy development,” but did not provide the required documentation.

2. State Secretary of Commerce
   The secretary visited Singapore to meet with a group of Bangladeshi investors, ostensibly to discuss bilateral trade agreements. The trip, conducted in March, was not pre‑approved. While the Secretary’s office argued that the visit facilitated “significant foreign investment” for the country, the MFA’s Travel Permit System shows no record of a permit.

3. Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Education
   An Additional Secretary travelled to London for a private summer workshop on digital learning. The travel was not sanctioned by the Ministry of Education. The official later asserted that the workshop was a “professional development opportunity” and that the trip was “necessary for the ministry’s educational strategy.”

In each case, the officials returned with expense reports that were later found to lack the required approvals. When confronted, they claimed either an administrative oversight or that the travel was “essential for the national interest,” a defence that has been widely disputed.

Political Fallout

The revelations have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and civil‑society groups. Opposition MP Khaleda Zia called the government’s actions “a blatant abuse of power” and urged the Bangladesh High Court to investigate the matter. She highlighted that the very rules meant to curb government excess were being circumvented by those who would have benefited from them.

Government spokesperson Sayeed Akhtar defended the officials, stating that all travel was “in accordance with national interest” and that the necessary paperwork had been “misfiled.” Akhtar emphasized that the government has been “tightening oversight” and would take “appropriate disciplinary measures” against any official found in breach.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Civil Service Commission announced a review of the travel guidelines to close loopholes, noting that the current system had “allowed for potential misuse” of discretionary powers. The Commission pledged to implement a digital monitoring platform for all outbound travel by senior officials, ensuring real‑time tracking of approvals and expenditures.

Public Perception and Media Response

The incident has ignited a wave of public indignation on social media. Twitter users have posted screenshots of the MFA website, pointing out that the travel rules were “written down” but not enforced. Facebook discussions frequently mention the term “double standards,” with citizens arguing that ordinary citizens are subject to strict travel visa requirements while public servants enjoy a different set of rules.

A notable commentary piece by journalist Shahabuddin Bhuiyan in The Daily Star stresses that “the law is only as strong as its enforcement.” Bhuiyan urges the Ministry of Finance to impose stricter penalties for violations, citing examples from other South‑Asian countries that have successfully curbed excessive government travel.

The Bigger Picture

These events come amid a broader struggle in Bangladesh over governance, accountability, and the role of public servants in a rapidly modernizing economy. The foreign‑travel rule was designed to curb the perceived culture of “leisure trips” that some officials use to “loaf abroad.” That the very rule is being flouted by its own architects underscores a deeper systemic issue: the lack of a robust oversight mechanism that can hold high‑ranking officials to the same standards as lower‑level civil servants.

While the government’s stated intention is to protect national resources and ensure that officials act in the public interest, the recent violations reveal a gap between policy and practice. Whether the forthcoming reforms by the Civil Service Commission and the Ministry of Finance will succeed remains to be seen, but the public’s demand for transparency and accountability is louder than ever.

In conclusion, the Daily Star investigation has not only exposed specific instances of policy breach but also highlighted a broader need for institutional reform. By ensuring that the Foreign Travel Rules are rigorously enforced, Bangladesh can restore public trust and demonstrate its commitment to good governance.