KARACHI:
The Bangladesh government has banned the use of its Prime Minister’s image on banners and billboards in public places and for official programmes. The official circular issued states that banners and billboards should contain only necessary and relevant information and be designed in a way that clearly reflects the purpose, message and theme of the event.
While this may appear to be a relatively minor decision, it conveys a powerful and progressive message: that public institutions should focus on strengthening processes rather than glorifying individuals — particularly at the taxpayers’ expense.
Not only is this move commendable and deserves our appreciation, but we should also move towards a similar model in our politics and publicity. Politicians should refrain from becoming celebrities and they should be held accountable for the work that they do or fail to do. I sincerely hope that this and many other similar steps will go a long way in building a progressive, equitable and prosperous Pakistan.
Naeem Sadiq
Karachi
