Proposal to raise grant by at least 60 times
An inter-ministerial meeting at the home ministry yesterday proposed to increase monthly financial grants for gallantry award winning freedom fighters by at least sixty times.
The proposal for Bir Shreshtha is Tk 12,000 from Tk 200, Bir Uttam is Tk 10,000 from Tk 150, Bir Bikram is Tk 8,000 from Tk 125 and Bir Pratik is Tk 6,000 from Tk 100, said a meeting source.
Some army personnel were mistakenly conferred awards like Bir Bikram, Bir Uttam and Bir Pratik, for their outstanding performance in fighting insurgents in Chittagong Hill Tracks, said the source.
Though these awards will not be cancelled, these would no longer be conferred while the hike would not be the same, added the source.
These army personnel conferred with Bir Uttam award will receive Tk 4,000, Bir Bikram will receive Tk 3,000 and Bir Pratik will receive Tk 2,000 each every month, he said.
If the award winner dies, his family members will receive the grant, added the source.
Four more award categories were proposed -- Bir Sarbuttam, Bir Mrittunjoyee, Bir Chiranjib and Bir Durjoy -- for outstanding performance in wars declared (if necessary) by the government, he said.
Six other monthly award categories for army personnel were proposed -- Sena Bahini Padak, Osamannya Seba Padak, Bishista Seba Padak, Shena Gaurab Padak, Sena Utkarsha Padak and Sena Parodarshi Padak, he added.
For police, Border Guard Bangladesh, Ansar and Coast Guard, Bangladesh Police Padak, President Police Padak, Bangladesh Police Padak Seba and President Police Padak Seba were proposed, he said.
Planning Minister AK Khandaker, Home Minister Shahara Khatun and high officials of the forces and the ministries concerned attended.
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