As part of an initiative to reduce public expenditure, the government has withdrawn the police protection escorts—or special security motorcades—allocated for 18 ministers.

However, this security privilege remains unchanged for one advisor and six senior ministers.

Since assuming office, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman decided to limit his own security motorcade. He reduced the number of vehicles in his convoy and refrains from taking special traffic privileges while moving on roads.

Consequently, his motorcade waits at traffic signals just like ordinary vehicles and resumes its journey only upon receiving traffic police signals.

According to sources within the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the protection escorts of the 18 ministers were withdrawn on July 20.

However, in accordance with established government rules, provisions for their personal gunmen, residence security, and special police protection during official tours outside Dhaka will continue as before.

Related sources indicate that a minister's escort team typically comprises one sub-inspector (SI) and four constables, who accompany the ministerial convoy in a police pickup van.

The fuel expenses for the vehicles used in this security arrangement, along with the salaries and allowances of the personnel involved, are borne by the public exchequer.

Government sources state that this decision was made with the objective of saving fuel, cutting state expenditure, and addressing shortages in police manpower and vehicles.