Dhaka, Jan 21 (V7N) — The Ninth National Pay Commission has submitted its report to Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus three weeks ahead of schedule, offering recommendations for reforming government salaries, allowances, and benefits.

The 23-member commission, led by Zakir Ahmed Khan, handed over the report at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday (January 21) afternoon. The commission, formed on July 27, 2025, had a six-month deadline for submission, but completed the work early at only 18 percent of its allocated budget.

Chief Advisor Yunus expressed satisfaction after receiving the report, praising the commission’s creativity and efforts. "This is a huge task. People have been waiting for this for a long time. After looking at the outline, I realized that it has been a very creative task," he said.

The commission head highlighted that prices of essential commodities have increased significantly over the past decade, making it difficult for government employees to maintain their standard of living under the existing salary structure. Following its terms of reference, the commission held 184 meetings with stakeholders and received input from 2,552 individuals, along with consultations with various associations and societies.

The report recommends 20 salary scales for government employees, proposing an increase in the minimum salary from Tk 8,250 to Tk 20,000 and the maximum salary from Tk 78,000 to Tk 1,60,000. The commission estimated that Tk 1,06,000 crore will be required to implement the proposals, compared to the government’s current expenditure of Tk 1,31,000 crore for 9 million pensioners.

Key proposals include:

  • Introduction of health insurance for government employees

  • Pension system reform

  • Restructuring of the Government Employees Welfare Board

  • Formation of a service commission

  • Rational restructuring of salary grades and scales

  • Review of allowances in government offices

  • Human resource development in health and education sectors

Additional recommendations include a monthly allowance of Tk 2,000 for employees with disabled children (maximum two children) and an increase in tiffin allowance for employees in grades 11–20 from Tk 200 to Tk 1,000 per month.

Finance Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, Finance Secretary Khairuzzaman Majumdar, and all commission members were present at the submission.

The next step will involve forming a committee to work on implementing the proposed salary structure.

END/SMA/AJ