Free medical treatment for freedom fighters from next month

Taking part in the budget discussion, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque informed the House yesterday that the government will bear 100 percent medical expenses of the country's freedom fighters from next month (July).

He said the Liberation War Affairs Ministry's demands, including introduction of “Swadhinata Allowance” for freedom fighters were not addressed in the proposed budget.

“It will take Tk 360 crore to meet the demand of providing the Swadhinata Allowance to freedom fighters on Independence Day. I hope the finance minister will meet this demand,” he added.

Meanwhile, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed told the parliament that there are some shortcomings in the proposed budget for 2018-19 when saving the local industry is concerned.

The minister also said he has already discussed with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Finance Minister AMA Muhith in this regard so that they look into the matter and take necessary measures.

Referring to MPs' criticism of the proposed budget, Tofail Ahmed, also a member of Awami League advisory council, said the budget should not be criticised as it was approved in the cabinet before being placed in the parliament.

Ruling MPs who took part in the budget discussion lauded the PM and finance minister for placing a pro-people budget.

Some opposition MPs, including opposition chief whip Tajul Islam Chowdhury, however, criticised Muhith for not saying anything about the debacles in the banking sector.