Freedom Fighters: Govt raises allowances

The cabinet yesterday approved a proposal to increase the allowances of those awarded for gallantry, war-wounded freedom fighters and families of the martyred freedom fighters.

The approval came at the cabinet meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair as the liberation war affairs ministry placed the proposal.

Those who have been receiving more than one allowances until now will be allowed to avail themselves of the higher allowance after the implementation of the proposal, said Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Shafiul Alam while briefing reporters.

Valiant freedom fighter Taraman Bibi will get allowance under “Bir Pratik” category, he said.

There are seven Bir Sreshtha, 68 Bir Uttam, 175 Bir Bikram and 426 Bir Pratik gallantry award winners.

The number of families of martyrs receiving allowance is 25,000 while the number of war-wounded (now dead) freedom fighters' families is 303 and families of Bri Sreshtha are seven.

The cabinet approved another proposal to enhance the financial power of the ministry and division, allowing them to use a fund of Tk 100 crore, instead of the present Tk 50 crore, when they approve development and non-development projects.

The cost of consultancy services has also been raised to Tk 30 crore for development projects and Tk 20 crore for projects under the non-development budget.

The cabinet adopted an obituary resolution expressing deep shock at the death of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Deputy Commissioner of Chapainawabganj Zahidul Islam.

Another resolution was adopted thanking Rezwana Siddiq Tulip and Rupa Haq, two Bangladesh origin British citizens, for becoming ministers in the shadow cabinet of the UK Labour Party.