Dhaka, June 25 -- With Prime Minister Tarique Rahman away on his first overseas tour, how is Bangladesh's administrative nerve centre functioning? Are officials still arriving on time? Are ministers maintaining regular attendance?

Those questions have gained renewed attention amid criticism inside and outside parliament over the frequent absence of ministers during the ongoing budget session.

Under Cabinet Division instructions, employees of government, semi-government and autonomous institutions are required to remain at their respective offices from 9am to 9:40am.

Many ministers and advisors accompanied the prime minister on his trip abroad. But are those who remained in the country following the prescribed schedule?

To find out, a ...