The government is planning to increase financial support for freedom fighters in a bid to recognize their contribution to the birth of Bangladesh.
In a recent meeting held on Thursday at the Parliament Building, the Parliamentary Committee on Ministry of Liberation War of the parliament unveiled proposals to increase monthly stipends and other special allowances.
These proposals, stemming from discussions in an earlier meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Social Security Program held on April 8, were presented by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs.
Minister for Liberation War Affairs AKM Mozammel Haque said: “The proposal is being discussed right now. As it is a budget issue, I don’t want to comment on the matter right now.”
However, the press release from Thursday's meeting said that the government is considering the proposal to increase honorarium for the families of martyrs and freedom fighters' family members.
The key propositions of the proposal include a significant increase in the monthly salary for ordinary brave freedom fighters, a boost in allowances for war casualties and titled freedom fighters, and the extension of special allowances to include Independence Day in addition to Victory Day.
It has been suggested to double the rate of special allowances for these two significant occasions.
If these proposals across various sectors are implemented, it is estimated that an additional Tk2,870 crore will be required in the upcoming 2024-25 financial year.
At present, ordinary brave freedom fighters receive a monthly honorarium of Tk20,000. The proposal suggests raising this amount to Tk30,000.
Additionally, it has been proposed to increase festival allowances for freedom fighters from Tk10,000 to Tk15,000, requiring an additional allocation of Tk200.58 crore.
Furthermore, the special allowance, currently provided only on Victory Day, is proposed to be extended to Independence Day as well, with a doubling of the allowance rate. This would necessitate an additional budget of Tk98.57 crore in the next financial year.
The New Year's allowance for beneficiaries of freedom fighters and their heirs is also proposed to increase from Tk2,000 to Tk5,000, requiring an additional allocation of Tk63.78 crore.
Similarly, titled freedom fighters are set to receive increased allowances, with Bir Uttam to receive Tk40,000, Bir Bikram Tk35,000, and Bir Prateek Tk30,000. This adjustment would necessitate an additional allocation of Tk8.22 crore.
The proposal also includes an increase in honorarium for the families of martyrs and war wounded freedom fighters, ranging from Tk30,000 to Tk50,000 based on category, requiring an additional budget of Tk70 crore.
Additionally, there is a proposal to increase the allowance for burial, cremation, religious ceremonies, and transportation of the body from a minimum of Tk5,000 to a maximum of Tk14,900 to a minimum of Tk30,000 to a maximum of Tk50,000.