CA's Tuesday lunch meetings: A recipe for govt's decision-making
Known as the “Tuesday lunch meeting”, this gathering takes place every Tuesday at the chief adviser’s official residence, Jamuna, serving as a platform for resolving complex issues
Food on the table and an informal, hierarchy-free friendly atmosphere – that's how Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus is making key decisions in consultation with the advisers of the interim government.
Known as the "Tuesday lunch meeting", this gathering takes place every Tuesday at the chief adviser's official residence, Jamuna, serving as a platform for resolving complex issues, according to several advisers and officials from the Chief Adviser's Office.
A review of cabinet meeting agendas reveals that the interim government's key decisions are often made outside these official sessions, raising questions about where the decision-making takes place.
These decisions are actually made every Tuesday afternoon in an informal setting, where meals are shared, and complex issues are discussed. Without formalities or distinctions of rank, the meetings create a collaborative atmosphere for resolving critical state matters.
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In the course of the meal, advisers discuss various matters in detail, leading to decisions that are free of bureaucratic red tape and procedural delays, they added.
A senior official at the Chief Adviser's Office, requesting not to be named, said, "All discussions are informal. The chief adviser gains a clear understanding of issues and gives necessary directions."
Unlike regular government sessions, where hierarchical structures often dominate the proceedings, the Tuesday luncheons operate differently, added the official.
While formal Thursday cabinet meetings focus on predefined agendas, the Tuesday luncheons allow the chief adviser and select invited advisers to address critical issues in a relaxed and open environment.
"Here, there are no distinctions between senior and junior officials, allowing for frank discussions and swift decisions," added the official.
The new system emerged after the formation of the interim government, led by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.
Regular attendees of these luncheons include key figures like Finance and Commerce Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed, who returns to his office after the luncheons, often by 3pm.
When asked about the significance of these meetings, Adviser Ahmed said, "We do discuss important issues during these lunches."
Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said the chief adviser personally invites advisers based on the issues that need attention.
"It's not an open invitation to all advisers. Only those involved in the relevant discussions are asked to join," she said.
Meanwhile, Power, Roads, and Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, a regular participant, declined to comment in detail on the nature of these meetings.
A personal assistant to one of the advisers, requesting anonymity, told TBS that his adviser regularly participates in the Tuesday luncheons.
"All important discussions and decisions are made during these lunches. After returning from the luncheon, the advisers provide various directives to their secretaries," he added.
Previous heads of government also summoned ministers to the Prime Minister's Office to give directives and make significant decisions. These discussions and decisions were made in formal meetings, and often meals were served afterward.
However, those were entirely official sessions, with notices issued beforehand, and discussions followed a predetermined agenda.
