Allowance for freedom fighters’ gets a bump

The new national budget proposes hiking the monthly allowance of valiant freedom fighters to Tk 20,000 from Tk 12,000.

The proposal is in line with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's previous announcement in this regard.

According to the proposed budget for fiscal 2021-22, the government will have to spend an additional Tk 1,920 crore in the upcoming fiscal if the proposal is approved.

The government now spends Tk 3,385.05 crore a year for providing the allowance to freedom fighters.

Around 186,700 war heroes will get the financial benefit.

The families of the martyred freedom fighters get Tk 30,000 a month, while those of the war-wounded Tk 25,000.

The families of the seven Bir Shresthas receive Tk 35,000 each a month while those of the Bir Uttams get Tk 25,000, Bir Bikrams Tk 20,000, and Bir Pratiks Tk 15,000.

Bir Shrestha is the country's highest gallantry award.

Apart from the monthly allowance, freedom fighters receive two festival bonuses, equal to their monthly allowance, each year. Freedom fighters also get three bonuses of Tk 5,000 each on the occasion of Independence Day, Victory Day and Pahela Baishakh.

Wounded freedom fighters receive free medical care and those without homes get housing.

The finance minister in his budget speech proposed allocating Tk 4,122 crore for constructing "Bir Nibas" to ensure safe accommodation for 30,000 freedom fighters.

A total of 29,000 freedom fighters already have this facility.

To improve the socio-economic condition of the greatest sons of the soil, construction of Muktijoddha Complex in every district and upazila was at the final stage, the minister added.

Families of martyred and war-wounded freedom fighters have also been brought under the coverage of social security scheme.