Tils- government yesterday approved amendment to the existing protocol, downsizing the number of ministers and dignitaries to be present at the airport during the prime min Ister s departure for and arrival from trips abroad, reports UNB

According to official sour ces. 16 ministers, civil and military officials, and diplomats would be present at the airport during departure for and arrival of the prime minister from official visits.

From now. three senior ministers. Dhaka City Corpora tion Mayor. Chiefs of three services, four secretaries, chiel of the diplomatic corps and mission chief of the host coun try or countries would be pre sent at the airport ceremony

The existing protocol has been revised to make It consis tent with the present govern ment s abstemious policies ol < urbing wastage, pursuing austerity and avoiding < olouriul ceremonies said a Cabinet Di vision source.

Earlier, some 50 ministers, dignitaries, diplomats and off! ciala used to be present at the airport on such occasions

They had to be present at the airport according to a dl rective of the Cabinet Division issued on September 2. 1992 following the Introduction of the parliamentary democracy In the country in 1991.

The presence of a huge numtier of ministers, officials and dignitaries used to cause hindrance to normal function ing of the government as well as rise in unnecessary expenditure. said the official.

Meanwhile, a 42-member delegation will accompany Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her scheduled trip from tomorrow to Makkah in Saudi Arabia for performing Umrah

The delegation includes a 20-member team of dignitaries who will travel on their own cost. Close relations of the prime minister and some MPs are part of the 20-member delegation. Foreign Ministry sources said.