Probe irregularities in Barishal freedom fighters' allowance

The High Court yesterday directed the authorities concerned of Liberation War affairs ministry to form a committee in four weeks and probe why one month's allowance was not paid to freedom fighters in Barishal.

The court also issued a rule asking the authorities concerned of the ministry and deputy commissioner of Barishal to explain why their inaction to pay one month's allowance to 6,456 freedom fighters in 2014-2015 fiscal should not be declared illegal.

The HC bench of Justice FRM Nazmul Ahasan and Justice KM Kamrul Kader came up with the directive and rule after hearing a writ petition filed by Advocate Amit Dasgupta in this regard.

The bench also ordered the authorities of Liberation War affairs ministry to submit a probe report before it after the inquiry is complete.

On January 2, Bangla daily Prothom Alo published a report claiming a total of Tk 4 crore, amounting to 1 month's allowance of over 6,000 freedom fighters from Barishal, have not been paid to them.

The next day, Advocate Amit submitted the writ petition seeking necessary orders on the respondents and challenging the non-payment.

Deputy Attorney General ABM Abdullah Al Mahmud Bashar represented the state.