Dhaka, June 8 -- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has declined to approve a proposed visit to France by the Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) administrator to learn about energy-efficient street lighting technology, reinforcing his stance against unnecessary overseas trips by public officials.

However, he allowed the corporation's Executive Engineer (Electrical) ABM Asaduzzaman Sweet to make the visit, if required, UNB reports.

The decision came in a directive issued by the Prime Minister on a proposal sent by the Local Government Division to the Prime Minister's Office, seeking approval for the France visit of two RCC officials.

According to the directive, knowledge gained from the programme will be useful for the city corporation if acqui...