November 17, 1972      

ONLY SEVEN PAY SCALES

Prime Minister Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is expected to announce the new pay scales of the government on Victory Day, to be celebrated on December 16, 1972. The National Pay Commission set up by the government has almost completed framing the new pay scales. There will be seven pay scales according to the new structure. It may be recalled here that a few days ago Bangabandhu hinted at the new scales of pay. Bangabandhu also said that the number of pay scales would be reduced to seven. At present there are more than 500 scales of pay besides 74 fixed pays. There are several instances where the Pakistani government introduced new pay scales to suit individual officers who served their purposes.

The new pay scales will confer greatest benefits upon low-paid government employees, particularly the present class four and class three employees. Upon the new arrangement, the maximum pay of class one senior officials may not exceed Tk 2,400 per month while the present class four employees will draw a minimum of Tk 200 per month, including allowances.

WICKMAN CALLS ON BANGABANDHU

The Swedish Foreign Minister Krishter Wickman, who is now visiting Bangladesh, calls on Bangabandhu today at the Gono Bhaban. They discuss bilateral matters during the meeting. It may be mentioned that the official level talks between the foreign minister of Bangladesh and Sweden begin today at the State Guest House in Dhaka.

HUNGARIAN RAILWAY CARRIAGES FOR BANGLADESH

The Hungarian wagon and machine building factory will supply Bangladesh 27 special railway carriages equipped with highly efficient ventilators. Hungary will fulfil the order by December 20, 1972 so that the railway carriages can be supplied to Bangladesh as quickly as possible.

SOURCES: November 18, 1972 issues of Bangladesh Observer, Dainik Bangla and Dainik Ittefaq.