The Bangladesh government has directed all additional secretaries and officials of equivalent rank to travel in economy class instead of business, club or executive class during official overseas trips, as part of its ongoing expenditure control measures.
The directive was issued in a circular by the Finance Division on Thursday and will take effect immediately from May 1.
According to the order, all additional secretaries and equivalent officials serving in government, autonomous, semi-autonomous, statutory and state-owned institutions must travel by economy class during foreign visits “until further notice”.
The circular was issued following instructions from the Prime Minister’s Office, referencing a letter sent on April 29.
It said the decision overrides provisions under existing foreign travel allowance rules issued in October 2012, which had allowed eligible senior officials to travel in higher classes, including business and executive categories.
Officials said the move is aimed at reducing public expenditure and tightening government spending amid continued fiscal pressures.
The Finance Division has instructed all relevant ministries, divisions and agencies to implement the order with immediate effect.
The latest measure comes as the government continues efforts to rationalise public spending and improve budget discipline amid rising debt servicing costs, inflationary pressure and growing external financing challenges.