Removal of President’s Portraits from Foreign Missions Will Not Affect Elections – Environment Adviser-khobordesk

Removal of President’s Portraits from Foreign Missions Will Not Affect Elections: Environment Adviser

Introduction

In Bangladesh, elections are always surrounded by debate, discussions, and controversies. Election time means political tension, shaping of public opinion, and increased attention from the international community—all of which make it a complex process. Recently, one issue has come to the forefront—the removal of the President’s portraits from foreign missions. Some speculated that this could affect the upcoming elections. However, the Environment Adviser has made it clear that removing the President’s portraits from foreign missions will not have any impact on the elections.

This raises some questions: Why was such a statement necessary? How significant is the presence or absence of the President’s portrait? What are the political and diplomatic implications? In this blog, we will analyze these aspects in detail.

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The Symbolic Role of the President

The President of Bangladesh is the Head of State. Although Bangladesh follows a parliamentary system of governance, the position of President carries the highest ceremonial dignity. According to the Constitution, the President mainly performs formal duties. For that reason, the President’s portrait is traditionally displayed in government offices, foreign missions, and diplomatic establishments.

This portrait is essentially symbolic—it simply reflects who holds the highest office of the state. But in electoral politics, the President does not have any direct role. Therefore, according to many experts, the presence or absence of the President’s portrait has little to no impact on the election process.

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Tradition of Portraits in Foreign Missions

In almost every country, it is customary for embassies and consulates to display portraits of their respective Heads of State. Bangladesh is no exception. For foreign citizens or Bangladeshi expatriates visiting these missions, the President’s portrait serves as a formal reminder of state authority.

However, in recent times, some foreign missions have removed the President’s portrait. This move sparked debates in political circles. Many wondered if the decision carried any hidden message ahead of the elections.

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Explanation from the Environment Adviser

Against this backdrop, the Environment Adviser clarified to the media:

• Removing the President’s portrait may simply be an administrative or formal decision.

• It will have no impact on electoral politics.

• Election results will be determined by people’s votes, political campaigns, and the democratic process—not by portraits.

This statement was mainly aimed at dispelling confusion and speculation among the publ

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Why It Will Not Affect Elections: An Analysis

1. Constitutional Boundaries
   The President has no role in conducting elections. The Election Commission independently oversees the entire process.

2. Symbolic Value of the Portrait
   The President’s portrait is only a symbolic identifier. Removing it does not diminish the dignity of the office.

3. The People’s Vote Matters Most
   Electoral outcomes in Bangladesh depend on party popularity, organizational strength, and public trust—not on whether a portrait hangs on a wall in a foreign mission.

4. International Context
   The primary function of foreign missions is to maintain diplomatic relations. While they may observe elections, whether a portrait is displayed or not carries no weight in diplomatic judgment.

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Reaction from the Opposition

The opposition, however, interprets the issue differently. They argue that removing the President’s portrait undermines the state’s image and erodes public trust. They question whether there is a political motive behind such a move.

But beyond political rhetoric, ordinary citizens do not seem to care much. Public attention remains focused on the economy, prices of essential goods, employment opportunities, and election promises

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Foreign Missions and Diplomatic Relations

A foreign mission is essentially a window to diplomacy. Displaying the Head of State’s portrait is part of protocol. But in practice, no country judges another’s elections based on a picture. What really matters to the international community is:

• How free and fair the election is,

• How actively citizens participate,