JS passes bill to raise president, PM’s salaries

Parliament today unanimously passed two bills increasing the remuneration and privileges of the president and the prime minister.

Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury, also in-charge of the cabinet division in parliamentary affairs, placed the bills styled “The President’s (Remuneration and Privileges) (Amendment) Bill 2016” and “The Prime Minister (Remuneration and Privileges) (Amendment) Bill 2016” before the House.

With Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair, the House passed the bills by voice votes rejecting all the amendment motions placed by the opposition lawmakers.

As per the bill, the president will get Tk 1.20 Lakh while Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will get Tk 1.15 lakh as salary.

At present, President Abdul Hamid draws Tk 61,200 while the PM draws Tk 58,600.

Besides, other allowances, including daily allowance and conveyance of the president and the PM have also been increased.

Placing the bills, the minister said it was necessary to revise the remuneration and benefits of the president and the prime minister considering the socio-economic situation.